Poland in the 50s, 20th century The process of collectivization of agriculture is under way. The wealthy Slumdog farmer is one of the last individual farmers who have not joined the cooperative and are trying to grow their own land. But it is very difficult - the unemployed mercenaries who paid for them run to cooperatives (where they have better conditions), the environment or the local authorities do not accept him as a kulak. Struggling with the problem of how to make a 40-hectare farm last, he remains alone in the face of a loss of land that he cannot cultivate.

Bohaterem jest stary i zamożny chłop Ślemień. Staje w opozycji do małorolnych chłopów. Jego postawa jest odrzucana przez mieszkańców wsi, jest przez nich pogardzany. Nie potrafi odnaleźć się w nowej rzeczywistości, gdzie coraz większe wpływy zaznacza miasto.