The Activists follows the years from 1899 to 1906 when Finland as an independent nation started to form. At the center stage are young restless souls who operate against the backdrop of the phenomena of the time: deep social divisions, political intrigue, fierce proclamations and people’s movements that get out of control. Activists portrays what happens when people lose faith in society’s capability to deal with conflict.

There is civil war in Finland between "Whites" and "Reds". A woman soldier of the Reds is captured by the Whites. She is ordered to be executed. A lieutenant is enforced into a homosexual relationship with his commanding officer to save the Red female with whom he is infatuated.