Divided We Fall

In 1939 Czechoslovakia, we meet Josef, a Czech man deeply opposed to the Nazis. He is married to Marie, and their daily lives are becoming increasingly complicated by the presence of Horst, a Czech-German Nazi collaborator.

Horst frequently visits Josef and Marie, bringing food and gifts, which complicates their already tense situation. The visits highlight the uneasy relationship they have with the growing Nazi presence in their lives.

Josef's moral conviction is tested when he finds David, a Jewish boy who escaped from a concentration camp. Josef and Marie bravely decide to hide David in their apartment to protect him from being recaptured.

Marie struggles with her emotions regarding the decision to hide David. Although she initially blames Josef for bringing this danger into their home, her compassion for David grows as she sees his fear.

Horst proposes that Josef take a job evicting Czech Jews from their homes, a morally questionable offer that Josef accepts. This leads to a fracturing of trust with their neighbor Franta, who has his suspicions about David.

As the days progress, Marie becomes increasingly attached to David and spends time teaching him French. However, the threat of Horst's increasing aggression culminates in an attempted assault on her, heightening their fears.

Josef learns he is infertile, leading to a confrontation with Horst that stirs feelings of humiliation and shame. This personal crisis affects his ability to protect his family and adds to the tension in their lives.

To avert suspicion, Josef concocts a shocking plan in which David would impregnate Marie to create a false 'miracle'. Despite initial resistance, Josef and Marie reluctantly agree to pursue this desperate solution.

Marie pretends to be pregnant after going through with Josef's plan, hoping this will keep them safe. However, the notion weighs heavily on both of them as they navigate the increasing turmoil around them.

As WWII nears its end, the atmosphere shifts drastically. Horst, who was once their enemy, begins to shield Josef and Marie from the Nazis, showing an unexpectedly protective side amidst chaos.

Marie unexpectedly goes into labor during a time of city-wide upheaval. The streets are chaotic, making Josef’s quest for a doctor increasingly desperate and fraught with danger.

In a moment of desperation, Josef encounters Franta, now involved with the Czech Resistance. He offers to present David as proof of his loyalty to gain assistance in finding a doctor.

Facing peril and limited options, they discover Horst is the only one willing to help deliver Marie's child. This brings horror to Marie, yet she is left with no choice as the situation spirals out of control.

Amidst the turmoil, Marie successfully gives birth to a son in their home, bringing a bittersweet moment of joy. As they confront the reality of their circumstances, hope flickers in the form of David’s support.

With the birth of the child, Josef walks through the ravaged streets, carrying the weight of their experiences. Although haunted by the past, a flicker of hope remains for the future, marked by the aria from Bach that echoes their tragic yet redemptive journey.