Head-On

The movie opens with a Turkish singing group performing at the edge of the water in what appears to be Istanbul. Their storytelling song sets a melancholic tone that contrasts sharply with the events that unfold later in the film.

We are introduced to our main character, Cahit Tomruk, who works at a nightclub, cleaning up after performances. As he picks up bottles, his tough demeanor and struggles with life become evident.

After finishing work, Cahit heads to a local bar but ends up getting thrown out after a violent confrontation with another man. His reckless behavior paints a picture of a troubled individual seeking an escape from his life.

Belligerently drunk, Cahit drives home and deliberately crashes his car into a wall, resulting in a severe neck injury. This act is a cry for help, leading him to a psychologist appointment soon after.

At the psychologist's office, Cahit notices a beautiful girl, Sibel, who takes an interest in him. She unexpectedly proposes marriage to him, which he dismisses out of hand, showcasing his emotional turmoil.

Later, Sibel's family is seen discussing her troubles, revealing the tension and pressure she faces from them regarding her mental health. Her brother's threats indicate the drastic measures her family would take to control her.

Sibel convinces Cahit to escape from the rehabilitation center and goes to a bar with him. While discussing their past experiences, Sibel again brings up marriage as an escape from her family's control.

As their bond deepens, Sibel expresses her willingness to live together in a non-traditional relationship. Despite his initial reluctance, Cahit begins to consider this unconventional arrangement seriously.

Cahit dresses up, and with his friend Guven acting as his uncle, they go to Sibel's family to ask for her hand in marriage. Under sharp scrutiny from her family, Cahit presents himself, trying to win their approval amidst growing tension.

After receiving her father's reluctant blessing, Cahit and Sibel get married at city hall. Their union is steeped in tension, especially after revealing Cahit was previously married, leading to an emotional argument.

Back at Cahit’s apartment, tempers flare when Sibel innocently asks about his deceased wife's name, provoking a furious reaction from Cahit. This incident leads to Sibel being thrown out into the cold night.

As Sibel attempts to mend their relationship, Cahit faces his own struggles with infidelity when he sleeps with Maren. The secrets of their relationships begin to unravel, highlighting their emotional disconnect.

Cahit confronts Nico, a former lover of Sibel, resulting in a violent altercation that ends with Nico's death. This pivotal moment marks a turning point in both Cahit and Sibel's lives, leading to severe consequences.

Faced with her brother's betrayal and family rejection, Sibel descends into a life of drugs and self-destruction. Her attempts to escape reality further complicate her already tumultuous existence.

The film culminates with Cahit choosing to go to Istanbul to find Sibel, but their reunion is marred by her commitment to her new life. The film closes with Cahit reflecting on his choices amid a nostalgic song, hinting at lost opportunities.