Jude, portrayed by Adam Driver, is a kind-hearted and reasonable engineer based in New York City. His life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself trapped in a restaurant bathroom with Mina, played by Alba Rohrwacher, an employee of the Italian embassy. What starts as a strangely funny encounter soon bloominсs into a relationship, culminating in the couple moving in together.
However, their happiness is short-lived as Mina receives a phone call from her employer about her impending transfer back to Italy in two months. This news deeply unsettles Jude, leading him to seek solace in intimacy. Tragically, this results in an unexpected pregnancy, which Mina discovers shortly thereafter. The couple decides to marry at a beachside café in Brighton Beach, but their joy is interrupted when a man shoots a deer right outside the venue, an incident that haunts Mina with nightmares of the traumatic event.
As their pregnancy progresses, Mina struggles to maintain a healthy lifestyle, leading to a concerning incident at a friend's art exhibit where she faints. A hospital visit reveals that their unborn child is not receiving enough nutrients. Mina's skepticism towards modern medicine leads her to rely solely on alternative treatments, even consulting a psychic who claims their unborn child is an "Indigo child." Jude, wanting to support Mina, allows her to pursue her beliefs without confrontation, despite the growing concerns for their child's wellbeing.
Unfortunately, Mina's extreme choices regarding nutrition result in complications during childbirth. The baby experiences distress, prompting a surgical intervention that Mina fervently opposes. The couple is left with a weak newborn who requires special care in an incubator.
Months pass, and Mina remains overly protective, refusing to let their son experience the outside world. She imposes strict cleanliness rules and adheres to a vegan diet, staunchly dismissing modern medical advice. This obsession strains their relationship, culminating in a confrontation when Jude discovers Mina has been sabotaging their child's nutrition with alternative remedies.
In a dramatic turn, Jude consults a lawyer to secure custody of their son, seeking an order to protect the child from Mina's unconventional parenting. As Jude takes drastic measures to keep his son safe, tensions escalate. His mother becomes increasingly worried about Mina's deteriorating condition, leading to a shocking incident where Jude's resolve is put to the test.
The situation reaches a boiling point when Mina, emboldened and desperate, attempts to reclaim their child, resulting in a struggle that leaves her injured. Following a police intervention, Mina manages to take the infant away, leaving Jude and his mother devastated.
Mina then takes her son to the beach, the setting of their wedding, where they spend a quiet day together. A dark turn occurs when Mina wakes to find someone in her apartment, leading to a gunshot echoing through the night. Jude, alerted by chaos, rushes to the police station, only to learn that his mother acted in a tragic attempt to protect her grandson by taking Mina's life.
In a poignant closing scene, Jude is finally reunited with his son, who is now healthy and ready for school, as they walk hand-in-hand along the beach, showcasing a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil they have endured.
