A better life is to begin for street child Anna in the mountain wasteland of all places. Where psychiatry and youth welfare services fail, only the experience of one's own limits can help, according to the mission of the unconventional educator Geena. On her mountain farm, she wants to reawaken a feeling for the existentially important things in life in her protégé through clear rules and daily work on the mountain pasture. But the unruly and disturbed girl has little faith in herself and the suffering she has experienced has left deep wounds in her childish soul...

In the late 70s, young Petra Grust begins teaching at the progressive Odenwald School. She is flattered by the trust placed in her by its widely respected headmaster Simon Pistorius. But gradually certain incidents at the boarding school begin to unsettle her. Petra then realizes that Pistorius is abusing Frank, a 13-year-old. When Frank is told that he has to spend school holidays with Pistorius, he tries to commit suicide. Petra tells Frank's father (the chairman of the school's governing body) but he believes Pistorius instead of his own son. Petra fails to convince people of the man's true nature. 30 years later, Frank goes to Petra, who has long since left the school and has stopped teaching altogether. He has never been able to speak about what happened but now, after the suicide of another pupil, he is no longer willing to remain silent. He wants Petra to bear witness at the school's forthcoming anniversary celebrations.

An emotional journey back to the 50s and 60s: Through photos and film footage from her childhood, the 48-year-old filmmaker Marie remembers growing up in bourgeois post-war Germany. Marie is once again confronted with the early death of her mother and the excessive demands of her conservative father. He has no understanding for her and deports her to a Catholic girls' boarding school. A youth characterized by constant rebellion against the mustiness of the post-war years and against a society that expects one thing above all from girls: to smile nicely into the camera and under no circumstances direct the film themselves!

Frustrated by unsuccessful online dating, 48-year-old Markus develops a strange obsession with his 17-year-old daughter Emma's relationship. He secretly begins to film them and thereby develops a new courage to face life, but realizes too late what shaky legs his new life is built on.

The musically talented, but socially challenged Henry (14) arrives at a private boarding school for music students at the beginning of a new school year. There, he unexpectedly discovers his fascination with playing the organ. From the fascination, a general love arise for the instrument, the playing of which offer Henry a refuge from the bullying that his fellow students puts him through. His teacher Ms. Schmidt recognizes his talent. Her growing interest in Henry, however, further worsens his position with his roommates Erik, Mik and Sebi. Erik feels that his status as the school's prodigy is threatened, his talent as an organ player has saved him from relegation for years. Erik rules the school and is together with Melanie, who has had Henry under her spell, since he first arrived at the school. Erik and his minions Sebi and Mik, do all they can to make Henry's life a living hell.

At the center of this coming-of-age comedy is 19-year-old high school graduate Charlie, whose greatest dream is to become an actress. Standing at just 1.30 meters tall, she certainly stands out, but her height plays no role in her ambitions. She’s supported by her mother, Silke, who runs a small tailoring shop.