Patrik, Age 1.5

Sven and Göran move into a new suburban neighborhood and host a welcoming party for their life together. They meet their neighbors and begin settling into their jobs and routines. The event sets up their hope of starting a family and the ordinary, everyday life they hope to build.

Driven by a desire to start a family, they apply to an adoption agency. They confront the reality that many agencies won't allow a gay couple to adopt, and their initial attempts are rejected. The setback tests their resolve but reinforces their commitment to become parents.

An error on the paperwork threatens to derail their hopes: the child's age is misread and recorded as 15 instead of 1.5 years. The mix-up forces them to wait and re-verify details as the process stalls. The incident introduces tension around trust and accuracy in the system.

A Swedish orphan named Patrik becomes available for adoption and the couple agrees to take him in. They are soon confronted with the reality that Patrik is a troubled teenager with a criminal past. The moment marks the first direct impact Patrik will have on their planned family life.

They hurry to the adoption agency to fix the error, but officials inform them that nothing can be done until the next week. While the clock ticks, Patrik arrives and begins to unsettle the household. The delay tests the couple's patience and their ability to handle a difficult situation.

Sven is appalled by Patrik's insulting behavior and initially wants him out, while Göran tries to see something redeemable in him. The conflict probes the couple's limits and the meaning of family. Patrik's demeanor makes the decision feel urgent and personal.

Patrik is fearful of the two men, clinging to stereotypes that gays are pedophiles. He tests the adults' limits with hostility and withdrawal. This fear colors his early interactions and complicates the bond forming.

When the agency reopens, officials explain Patrik's only options are living with Sven and Göran or returning to the foster center. The moment forces a choice that will define his future and their chances at parenthood. The stakes are high as everyone awaits the next steps.

Patrik's behavior pushes Sven to leave in disgust, and Göran's refusal to eject him forces him to reconsider his stance. The breakup exposes cracks in their relationship and tests their commitment. A practical guardian dynamic begins to emerge from the dispute.

Göran agrees to look after Patrik temporarily, effectively becoming his guardian until the agency can find a suitable home. The arrangement starts as a reluctant compromise but gradually becomes a more stable routine. Patrik's presence forces Göran to balance warmth with responsibility.

Over the next days, Patrik reveals a talent for gardening, tending plants with unexpected care. Göran begins to see the softer side of Patrik and softens his stance. The small, patient work of nurturing plants opens a path toward acceptance.

Several weeks pass before the agency informs them that a family has been found for Patrik. He has grown beyond his initial fear and contempt, and the idea of leaving them is less appealing. The tentative separation becomes less likely as connections deepen.

Sven returns home and realizes that their issues with Patrik were not worth ending the relationship. He and Göran acknowledge that they both want to keep Patrik in their lives. The moment marks a turning point toward reconciliation.

Patrik's new father arrives to pick him up, and Patrik leaves with him, signaling a potential departure. The scene tests the bonds of the evolving family and the possibility of Patrik's permanent placement. The separation is a brief interruption rather than a final goodbye.

After a short time, Patrik returns to stay with them and the three of them live together permanently. Sven and Göran reaffirm their commitment to each other and to Patrik, forming a redefined family unit. The film closes on a note of reconciliation and family stability.