The film takes place in Tel Aviv, much of it in a fictitious local pub called Barbie, a satirical nickname for a famous Israeli mental health institution. The pub's name hints at the characters and the events which occur in the pub and which befall its owner (Daliah), the employees and customers. The plot unfolds with a streak of violence which takes a surprising turn.

Shalom is a young man from a nice, middle-class Tel Aviv family. His parents are keen for him go to university, but all of that doesn’t really factor in with his plans. Shalom drives a rickety, old estate car; he has two women in his life, keeping his companionship and romantic needs met; and spends his time on the road, soul-searching. He chances upon a group of artists and intellectuals (including Amos Keenan and Uri Avnery) who have been arguing about Israel’s socio-political future, discussing war and peace; settlements and land; the rich and the poor, and so on. The only thing everyone seems to be in agreement on is that the future is looking bleak. Shalom then decides to immigrate and head to the US – a decision that takes him nowhere, fast.