William's father is dead and his mother is mentally ill, so he lives with his uncle Nils. Nils is on early retirement, making money by buying things cheap and selling them high. He has also accumulated a large debt and city's gangsters are on him, demanding that he pays it full. William sets out to pay off the debt of his uncle - and perhaps his courage might impress Viola too, a girl from his class.

The film depicts the last hours in the life of great Danish King Christian IV, told exclusively from a horse carriage. The focal point is Christian's tempestuous relationship to his second wife, Kirsten Munk, involving accusations of infidelity and attempted murder.

Danish soldier Esben fakes his own death in an attempt to flee the war and reunite with his beloved wife Kirstine and their son Karl after being apart for three years. However, everything has changed while he has been away. A charming German officer has taken over the role as the family’s father and is courting Kirstine. While hiding in his own attic, Esben witnesses this very real nightmare and must do everything in his power to survive, win back the love of Kirstine and save his family.