Seven-year-old Moritz lives with his father Ben Sanddorn in Saxon Switzerland. Since the death of his mother many years ago, he has wanted nothing more than a new mother and, of course, a new wife for his father. And so he sends his pigeon Sammy on a search. Sammy flies to Salzburg, where the Sanddorn family used to live, and ends up with architect Paula. She is about to get married, but first she wants to take a break and bring the pigeon back. Paula spends a few days at Ben's guesthouse and makes friends with Moritz. She is fascinated by the introverted, likeable Ben and her emerging feelings are reciprocated by him. A loving romance develops, which Moritz pursues with enthusiasm. But then the budding love almost falls victim to an intrigue.

Teenage dropouts Adam and Tommek pass their days hanging out and drinking in their grim housing complex, but as grinding boredom combines with Adam's need to prove himself and Tommek's penchant for petty crime, the two make a bet that plunges them into shocking and sudden violence.