Dr. Paul Venner, a headstrong young doctor, is working on the development of a serum to renew destroyed brain cells. He is watched with skepticism by his colleagues, whom he repeatedly snubs with his cynical manner. Physician Françoise Maurer also feels his coldness. But very soon he senses that she gains her great strength from her faith, and a deep affection develops between them.

In the summer of 1946, a group of young people meet on the banks of the Weser; together they take a boat to Bremen. Their experiences and conversations reflect the mindset of a youth uprooted by war and collapse, yet lead to the realization that one should not simply drift along.