15-year-old Mareike dreams of making a career as a model. Her family, with whom she lives in a village in the Electoral Palatinate, don't really take these goals seriously. Especially as Mareike's appearance does not necessarily correspond to the classic fashion ideal. Nevertheless, the slightly chubby young woman doesn't let it get her down. She persistently pursues her goal. Until one day her hair falls out: The doctors diagnose an autoimmune disorder that is almost impossible to cure. Mareike's world collapses.

Four men’s destinies slam into each other and intertwine on four balmy summer nights. Old wounds are reopened, new ones appear, unexpectedly there is a new closeness. And, when the sun rises over the city and the striking garbage men, finally ensure German order again, nothing is the same for these four men.

Nick, an actor, is a clown in traffic, hoping for better times. Charlie, Robin’s mother, is in a police car, about to go to jail, desperate to escape with her son. Joe, a madman, robs banks, hoping for media attention. Robin, still a child, needs his mother. Nick’s clown costume causes confusion when two police officers mistake him for the robber. Charlie escapes, leaving Nick behind. Charlie wants to escape quickly, but Nick doesn’t want to leave. Joe escapes from a mental institution and is angry that someone else is getting credit. Charlie arrives at the children’s home, but the police are already there. Inspector Fuchs believes Nick and Charlie are accomplices and has Robin watched to catch the mother. Nick saves Charlie and hides with her in the broom closet. They begin to understand each other, but a crazy day ends, and a long year lies ahead.