Afire

Friends Felix and Leon set off on a trip to Felix's family holiday home located by the Baltic Sea. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn as their car breaks down, forcing them to continue on foot.

After walking through the forest carrying their luggage, Felix and Leon arrive at the holiday home. They discover that it is already occupied by Nadja, whose presence they feel even though they do not meet her immediately.

As the vacation progresses, Nadja’s romantic activities keep Felix and Leon awake at night. Leon grows increasingly resentful of her presence, causing tension between him and Felix, who is more accepting of Nadja.

While Leon becomes engrossed in fine-tuning his manuscript for his second novel, Felix takes a more laid-back approach to completing his photography portfolio. Their contrasting work ethics lead to subtle conflicts.

Leon and Felix finally meet Nadja, who is warm and accommodating. Meanwhile, Felix forms a bond with Nadja’s lover, Devid, a lifeguard, which deepens the emotional complexities among the group.

As emotions run high, Leon continues to brood and resists connecting with the others. Relationships among the four intensify, with Felix and Devid exploring their romantic feelings for one another.

Struggling with his feelings, Leon initially rejects Nadja's efforts to befriend him. Eventually, he decides to share his manuscript with her, only to be met with criticism, worsening his emotional turmoil.

Leon’s publisher, Helmut, arrives to discuss the manuscript, but Leon feels overshadowed as Helmut connects more with Nadja and Felix. This intensifies Leon's feelings of inadequacy and isolation.

As tensions rise during a dinner, news of nearby forest fires becomes increasingly urgent. Ash begins to fall, setting an ominous tone as Devid and Felix leave to retrieve their broken-down car.

Helmut suffers a medical emergency during dinner, prompting Nadja to rush him to the hospital. Leon, witnessing wild boar fleeing the fire, is struck by the chaos around him and runs to safety.

The next morning, Helmut, who has been hiding his illness, opens up to Leon and Nadja about his condition. He urges Leon to abandon his current work but assures him of future success.

After a difficult conversation, Nadja tries to comfort Leon, but he angrily rejects her support. This moment leads Nadja to confront him about being self-centered, which further alienates them.

Nadja receives shocking news from police officers that Devid and Felix have perished in the forest fires. The revelation hits her hard, leaving Leon in disbelief as he processes this tragic loss.

Nadja and Leon visit the site where Devid and Felix’s bodies were found. Nadja's emotional reaction contrasts with Leon's detached thoughts, as he reflects on historical tragedies while grappling with personal loss.

Some time later, Leon reunites with Helmut at the hospital, discussing a new manuscript inspired by the tragic events. As Helmut supports Leon's journey into the future, Nadja arrives, symbolizing a moment of mutual understanding.