In Berlin, violin teacher Anna decides against the will of her colleagues for the admission of Alexander, in whom she sees great talent. She soon devotes all her attention to him instead of her son Jonas, bringing the boys into competition. However, on the day of the exams, a tragic accident occurs.

Cloaked in shades of beige and grey, Ina Weisse’s emotionally-charged drama undercuts its fastidious color palette with the high-strung passions of the pressure-cooker world of classical music. Nina Hoss delivers yet another magnificent performance as a violin teacher tortured by personal demons.