Ester (Ingrid Thulin), Anna (Gunnel Lindblom) and Anna's son Johan (Jørgen Lidstrøm) travel by train to a foreign city whose language they do not understand. In an arid hostel, Ester tries to retain her sexual hold upon her sister. Anna leaves, however, and in a nearby cabaret watches a couple making love: she picks up a man and returns to the hotel.