Collaborating with Lasse Summanen, Nykvist penned the screenplay adapted from the 1981 novel Oxen by Siv Cedering.

Helge Roos, fearing for the lives of his daughter Anna and wife Elfrida, impulsively kills one of his master Svenning Gustavsson's oxen.

Flyckt reports Helge to the vicar, who advises against rash action due to their history.

Helge tries to sell the ox's hide but is caught by the vicar, who reports him, resulting in a harsh sentence.

Returning home, he confronts the truth but reconciles with Elfrida, understanding her actions were to save their family.