Set against the backdrop of post-unification Germany, the film explores the breakdown of relations in a decaying social structure.
Christa is approaching her forties and has already been through a lot. She has high hopes for her relationship with Dieter, who, like her, is divorced. As she also gets on well with his children Andi and Marion, it's not long before Christa and her ten-year-old daughter move in with Dieter and their new family happiness seems complete - until Dieter brings his lover Kati home.
