Contemporary satire denounces careerism, dictatorial ways, sycophancy and servility. An inconspicuous official Javorník pretends to have saved the director of the company from drowning, thanks to his qualities he gains his favor and rises in positions. He even becomes the director's brother-in-law and eventually replaces him in the position. he is given a job position for which he has absolutely no adequate skills. Javorník's professional and official rise is accompanied by his moral decline. However, another inconspicuous official appears near him and it seems that the carousel will repeat itself.

Magdaléna, pure-hearted and guided by emotion, attracts Zápotočný, a callous egoist and abuser. Their turbulent relationship, set against a backdrop of social hardship, forces Magdaléna to confront the limits of compassion and the price of innocence when faced with brutal selfishness.