As the world starts to emerge from the shadows of World War II in 1945, we meet Anita, a 16-year-old Hungarian Jewish girl who navigates the treacherous landscape of post-war Zvíkovské, Czechoslovakia. Orphaned after enduring the horrors of Auschwitz, Anita seeks refuge with her aunt Monika, along with her uncle Aron, infant cousin Roby, and Eli, Aron's brother-turned-brother-in-law. Their home, which was seized from German expellees by the Czechoslovak government, serves as a stark reminder of the war's brutality and the upheaval it caused in their lives.
Despite the refuge she finds, Anita's journey is fraught with challenges, predominantly stemming from Monika's frigid demeanor and strict rules. Monika disallows any discussions about Anita's traumatic past at Auschwitz, fearing the repercussions of her undocumented status. Driven by an intrinsic curiosity and a longing for connection, Anita defies her aunt's orders and attends a party, where she is confronted by two policemen. They arrest her for being an "undesirable," leading to several days of imprisonment until she manages to secure her identification papers.
Upon her release, Anita starts working at a local tailor's shop, where she forges a meaningful connection with David, a fellow dreamer. Meanwhile, an intense and tumultuous romance develops between her and Eli, characterized by passionate affection and possessive tendencies. However, when Anita learns of her pregnancy, she turns to Eli for support, only to be met with contempt and a suggestion to abort the child. Torn and unsure, Anita reluctantly accompanies Eli to Prague, where her understanding of their relationship takes a dark turn, pushing her to make a desperate attempt at securing her autonomy.
Anita's world spirals into chaos, but she finds a glimmer of hope in the empathetic words of a doctor who performs the abortion procedure. Recognizing Anita's fierce resolve to keep her baby, the doctor administers a sedative instead of the expected procedure. This pivotal moment allows Anita to seize her chance at freedom as she and Eli retreat to their hotel room. However, the illusion of safety quickly shatters as Anita discovers Eli's true intentions, leaving her feeling isolated and betrayed.
In a moment of profound clarity, she breaks free from Eli's manipulative grasp, seeking refuge at a Jewish reception center in Prague. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey that leads her to Marseilles and ultimately to Palestine, joined by other Jewish youth heading towards Jerusalem. As Anita gazes out over the sea, she embraces the renewal of her cultural heritage and the promise of a brighter future. With nothing but resilience and unwavering hope in her heart, she sets forth into a world that, despite its scars, holds the possibility of healing and rebirth.
