Denmark, mid-eighteenth century. With the begrudging approval of the royal court, retired captain and social outcast Ludvig Kahlen sets out to the barren plains of Jutland, hoping to turn it into arable territory and secure wealth and honour for himself. However to achieve his goal, he must overcome the cold-blooded landlord Frederik De Schinkel, who sees Kahlen as a trespasser on his domain. The drama unfolds at a brisk pace, with an inner necessity that draws it inexorably towards a devastating conclusion. Adapted from 2011 novel The Captain and Ann Barbara, this widescreen spectacle is powered by Mads Mikkelsen as a tenacious, resourceful pioneer whose unshakeable allegiance is to the crown, but whose motivations are all personal.