Nikolaj Arcel writes and directs this historical drama adapted from the novel 'The Captain and Ann Barbara' and based on the life of Captain Ludvig Kahlen. In Denmark in 1755, former officer Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen) is dissatisfied with his meagre pension and lack of status and is determined to make his own way. Kahlen plans to cultivate the heath on the moorlands of Jutland and form a settlement, but unyielding landowner Frederik de Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg) refuses to stand down and will do everything in his power to stop Kahlen from succeeding in his mission.