An aging professor undertakes a journey by car from Stockholm to Lund to receive an honorary degree. Accompanying him is his daughter-in-law, who harbors lingering resentments about her crumbling marriage to his son. During the trip, the professor confronts his past through a series of dreams, memories, and encounters with various individuals, including a trio of hitchhikers: a vivacious young woman and two men who are vying for her affection. Each interaction sheds light on the professor's life, his relationships, and his own inner conflicts and regrets.

Amidst this reflective journey, he revisits poignant locations from his youth and wrestles with feelings of loneliness and existential dread. Strained relationships with his family, particularly his distant and cold interactions with his son, come to the forefront, adding to his sense of isolation and remorse. The trip becomes a profound exploration of his psyche, confronting themes of mortality, reconciliation, and the unfulfilled desires of a lifetime.