Miss Julie enjoys a questionable reputation among her staff. On Midsummer’s Eve of 1890, the young aristocrat dances with her father’s house servant – and orders an abortion for her dog, impregnated by the gatekeeper’s mutt. In the estate kitchen, Julie meets John, a valet. She invites him to another dance and, despite their class difference, perseveres in seeking out this educated, experienced man. The servant’s formal reticence soon gives way to the couple’s mutual attraction. During the course of the night, Julie and John circle around, seducing, manipulating and humiliating each other. The relationship between power and subjugation is frequently inverted; plans for a life together are forged and cast off. At the climax of this emotional duel, there remains only one tragic way out.