A multidimensional psychological drama with tinges of social criticism. A bitter portrayal of a rural community whose lives are conditioned by their material needs, with interpersonal relations replaced by a specific form of trade exchange.
A screen adaptation of a short story by distinguished Polish writer Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz.
An outstanding performance by Hanna Skarżanka, who carries the whole film on her shoulders.
In 1928, middle-aged Róża returns to her home village after 12 years of working as a servant for a rich director in Warsaw. Realizing that she is approaching old age, the woman decides to find herself a husband at any cost. Having saved up a considerable amount by countryside standards, despite her age Róża is seen as a good catch by poor farmers. Eventually, she marries an 18-year-old boy called Ignacy, whom she symbolically “buys” for a set of new clothes. Shortly after the wedding, Ignacy develops diabetes and after some time he dies. Having spent most of her money on her husband’s therapy, Róża returns to the city and takes up her old job. One day, unexpected visitors appear on her doorstep.
