MAREN, a strong-minded young woman, is seen by authorities to be il-mannered and promiscuous. Concerned her unruly behavior will incite others, she is sent away to an women’s institution on the small island of Sprogø. Here she is to learn how to behave as a proper young woman. She must share a room with SØRINE who has already internalized the story about herself and has learned to behave properly. Sørine is to help Maren settle in Sprogø and help her change her behavior, but Maren’s refusal to comply with the system leads to terrible consequences for both. The film is inspired by actual events of the women’s institution of Sprogø in Denmark in the 1930’s.