The girl Griet (Scarlett Johansson) came from a poor family and worked as a maid at the home of painter Vermeer (Colin Firth). Vermeer lived with his wife and mother-in-law. They often put on a bossy look, and his wife was even more wary of Griet, who was in his youth. In a very harsh and oppressive atmosphere, Griet lived a humble life at the Vermeer house. Vermeer's paintings brought her a little joy in life. When she cleaned up her master's studio, she showed her talent for art. She talked with Vermeer about her understanding of paintings, and their heart-to-heart communication slowly grew their affection. Griet knew that it was impossible to get a good relationship with Vermeer, but she was willing to be a model and dedicate herself to Vermeer's paintings. Silently, she endured Vermeer punching holes in her ears and putting on his wife's pearl earrings to paint the suffocating beauty of this moment.