After ten years serving in the Navy, Benedikt goes back to his native village in the mountains, because his father is about to die. His mother, Maria Stirner wishes her old husband to see his eldest son for the last time, even if they have not been in touch for years. The old man, Max, has never been able to forgive his son for Julius’ death, his youngest son who died during an ascent, apparently because of Benedikt’s fault. Since the day of the tragedy, Benedikt has lived with a deep sense of guilt that has forced him to leave his village, family and fiancée Johanna. Johanna was faithful to him for years, but now she is the new fiancée of Anton, one of Benedikt’s bothers. Benedikt resists to the forces that would push him toward his past and the charming magic of the mountains. He only wants to be forgiven by his father. Anton loves Johanna, but he is also eaten up by anxiety: because he wants his father’s approval, because of his hatred towards his brother and because of his sense of guilt. He confesses to his priest the truth that has been hidden for ten years, that being witness to the tragedy that occurred to his brother Julius, he knew it was not Benedikt’s fault but was a fatal accident. Only when Benedikt is told the truth, acceptance and forgiveness will start changing the lives of each character.