In a small Spanish town, a young undertaker named José Luis meets and falls in love with Carmen, the beautiful daughter of an aging executioner, Amadeo. Despite knowing about her father's grim profession, José Luis is charmed by Carmen and they decide to marry. However, when Amadeo is required to retire due to old age, he worries about who will take over his position to ensure his family continues to receive state benefits, as the role is traditionally passed down through the family. In a bizarre turn of events and driven by his need for job security, José Luis finds himself reluctantly inheriting Amadeo's role as the town executioner, a job he finds morally reprehensible.

As José Luis struggles with the macabre duties that come with his new position, his internal conflict deepens. He strives to balance his revulsion with the necessity of providing for his growing family. The film continues to explore his personal turmoil, how his relationship with Carmen evolves under this unusual strain, and the moral questions surrounding his unwelcome profession.