In the early 1860s, two immigrants, Vivienne (Krieps) and Holger (Mortensen), meet and agree to settle down together in the quiet town of Elk Flats, Nevada. The fiercely independent Vivienne refuses to be married, but she and Holger build a life together, finding joy and beauty even amid the harsh conditions. When Holger decides to fight in the Civil War, however, Vivienne is left to fend for herself in the town controlled by the corrupt Mayor Schiller (Danny Huston), his business partner Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt) and his unhinged son Weston (Solly McLeod). In his second film as director following 2020’s Falling, Mortensen creates a riveting and moving portrait of a strong woman making her way in a world of ruthless men.