Dear Comrades!

In 1962, workers at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant initiate a large strike due to rising food prices and cuts in wages. This demonstration quickly gains momentum as more workers join, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of economic issues.

Lyudmila, a dedicated party worker and staunch communist, witnesses the unfolding events with a mixture of support and uncertainty. As the strike escalates, she becomes increasingly concerned about the government's response and the safety of her daughter, Svetka.

In an attempt to suppress the growing unrest, the Government Commission orders a brutal crackdown on the demonstrators. Armed forces fire upon the crowd, resulting in a tragic mass shooting that aims to silence any dissent.

In the chaos of the shooting, Lyudmila loses sight of her 18-year-old daughter Svetka, who disappears without a trace. This moment of panic propels Lyudmila into a desperate search for her daughter while navigating the dangers posed by the KGB.

With the town in a state of lockdown, the KGB begins arresting anyone associated with the protests. They enforce total silence regarding the events and secretly bury the bodies of those killed, further instilling fear in the citizens of Novocherkassk.

As Lyudmila copes with her daughter's disappearance, she grapples with her faith in communism and the brutal reality of the government's actions. She finds herself reminiscing about the era of Stalin while praying for her daughter's safety.

Amidst her fears, a sympathetic KGB agent reaches out to Lyudmila, offering to help her locate Svetka. This unexpected alliance provides her with a glimmer of hope in her dire situation as they begin their search together.

Lyudmila and the KGB agent venture to a rural cemetery where bodies of the shooting victims have been buried. This somber journey is filled with anxiety and anticipation, as they hope to find Svetka among the unmarked graves.

At the cemetery, a policeman confirms the burial of a girl matching Svetka's description. Lyudmila's world shatters further when he reveals details about her daughter's body, filling her with unbearable grief and despair.

Overcome by sorrow, Lyudmila drinks heavily as she makes her way back home. The weight of her experiences begins to take a toll on her mental state, leaving her grappling with the realities of both her loss and the broader implications for her belief in communism.

Once back in her apartment, Lyudmila confronts her father, who is packing up Svetka's belongings. He drops a bombshell revelation that Svetka is actually on the roof, reigniting Lyudmila's hope after a cascade of despair.

Lyudmila races up the stairs, filled with adrenaline and anxiety, until she sees Svetka hiding on the roof. An overwhelming wave of joy and relief floods her, as she realizes her daughter is still alive despite the perilous circumstances.

Reunited with her daughter, Lyudmila embraces Svetka tightly, vowing to protect her from the dangers that lurk in their environment. In this emotional moment, she expresses a fierce determination that they will persevere together.

As the film culminates, Lyudmila and Svetka share a poignant moment filled with hope and resolution. Lyudmila repeats the words, 'We'll do better,' symbolizing their commitment to survive and confront the challenges that lie ahead.