GDR, August 1989: Hanna and Andreas became a target of the secret police and had to give up their plans for their future studies and desired professions. Instead, they face arbitrariness, mistrust and reprisals. Their only chance for a self-determined life lies in fleeing across the Baltic Sea. Fifty kilometres of water separate them from freedom - and only a thin connecting rope around their wrists saves them from absolute loneliness.

Germany, late 90s: Johanna is an intern at a local newspaper and is struggling with the death of her grandmother. In addition to her grief, she is burdened by conflict with her family after she angrily confronts her uncle, who is only interested in his inheritance, at the funeral. She seeks balance by throwing herself headlong into her work. In the process, she comes across an old photograph of a concentration camp guard named Anneliese Deckert. With this find, she hopes to advance her journalistic career: Johanna tracks down the now 80-year-old, but does not expect to meet her entire family on the spot, nor does she expect the fuss the photo causes.

1928: Lyovuschka, a Soviet worker, is cast in the role of Trotsky for Eisenstein‘s latest film, but quickly finds his dreams of an actor‘s life shattered when Trotsky falls into Stalin‘s disfavor. Exiled from his homeland, he poses as a wealthy baron and finds himself stuck in a glamorous seaside resort in Germany awaiting a barge that will take him to Hollywood. A summer romance kicks off when he meets the eccentric factory owner Octavia Flambow-Jansen - it's just too bad there are vampires around.

Janne, in her early forties, longs for a fresh start in her career but has to face the obstacles that social advancement brings for women. Surrounded by the noise of machines and rigid work routines, she is faced with a final decision.