In a small industrial town in the early 1920s, the lives of its inhabitants are transformed by the arrival of a mysterious businessman. This new character, with his charm and promises of prosperity, seduces the community, especially the young people who long for a different life. However, behind his appealing exterior lies a dark secret that triggers a series of tragic events.
The story follows Clara, a young woman with dreams of escaping the monotony of her everyday life. When she meets the businessman, she is drawn to his ambitions and joins him in a project to modernize the town. At first, the changes are well received and everyone seems to benefit. But as time goes on, the price they must pay for these transformations begins to reveal itself. Greed and avarice start to erode relationships, and the town becomes divided between those who support the businessman and those who wish to preserve what little remains of their traditions.
The conflict culminates in a confrontation that will test the community's true values. Clara must face the consequences of her decisions and discover if the pursuit of a better life is truly worth it. With a powerful message about the struggle between progress and identity, this masterpiece of silent cinema invites us to reflect on the cost of our desires and the shadows that may accompany them.