In 1985, in Communist Romania, the thirty year-old Irene falls deeply in love with a German, Franz. When Franz leaves Romania, Irene decides to follow him to Berlin to be with him. After her arrival, Irene gradually comes to realize that Franz no longer wants to be with her.

Based on Herta Müller’s eponymous novel, this film explores the psychological crevasses of a young woman’s mind. By using both astonishing cinematography, shot entirely in 1:1 aspect ratio, and cutout animation, the protagonist’s emotions and imagination are evocatively illustrated.