As Agnes (Harriet Andersson) is coming closer to death because of terminal cancer, she begins to share her last days with her two sisters, both of whom wish to die as well. Karin (Ingrid Thulin) has dark thoughts of suicide and has turned to self-mutilation to ease her inner pain. Maria (Liv Ullmann) has to face the fact that her infidelity was the reason for her late husband’s suicide. The only person that Agnes finds comfort in turning to is her maid, Anna (Kari Sylwan). Anna, has herself experienced loss and wanted to die. She has however, developed a more optimistic view of death and is able to ease Agnes through her pain. Finally, Agnes dies but the question remains if Maria and Karin are able to continue living.