Toomas Stockmann, the head doctor of a water clinic built in a small town by the sea, discovers that the facility is threatened by an infection caused by construction errors in the waterworks. The powerful mayor Peter Stockmann, the doctor's brother, has used his position and connections for commercial and political gain and has ignored the doctor's warnings. The upper class of the town initially supports the doctor's decision to reveal the truth, but the mayor changes due to pressure and personal interests. Dr. Stockmann is labeled an enemy of the people. He must choose whether to stick to his ideas, at the risk of his family, or surrender to demagoguery.

Действие происходит накануне первой мировой войны в провинциальном приморском городке. Главный герой — доктор Стокман, способный врач — вместо ядовитой, хотя и сладкой лжи, предлагает согражданам горькую правду. В результате он становится объектом всеобщего порицания и теряет свою работу.