Revanche

Alex, an ex-convict living in Vienna, works as muscle at a local brothel. He begins a relationship with Tamara, a Ukrainian prostitute who works there. They hatch a plan to rob a nearby bank and disappear together to start a new life.

Alex and Tamara lay out a plan to rob a bank in a small village near Hausner's farm. He invites Tamara to join him, despite her anxiety, to share the risk. The plan is to flee to Hausner's farm after the heist and then leave for a new life.

They approach the bank and encounter a local policeman named Robert outside. During the escape, Tamara is shot and killed when Robert fires at their fleeing car. An anguished Alex escapes and retreats to Hausner's farmland as planned.

With Tamara dead, Alex goes into hiding at Hausner's farm as his plan dictates. Hausner's health begins to fail during this time, adding tension. Alex contemplates staying to look after the property and the old man.

Robert's marriage to Susanne is strained by infertility and unresolved guilt over the shooting. Susanne remains close to Hausner's family as a neighbor and friend, and the pressure worsens their relationship. The emotional tension creeps through their circle.

Susanne visits the farm, forming a fragile friendship with Hausner's household. Through conversations, Alex realizes Susanne's husband was the bank shooter, Robert. This realization drives Alex to begin stalking Robert with a loaded gun.

During a visit to the farm, Susanne propositions Alex and they begin an affair. The secret relationship flourishes amid guilt and fear. Robert remains unaware at first, heightening the tension in their lives.

Robert suffers a panic attack at work and is put on suspension. He opens up to Susanne about his guilt and self-loathing over the shooting. The affair between Alex and Susanne further complicates the situation.

Alex confronts Robert in the woods, asking about the shooting in veiled terms. Robert admits his regret but also chastises the robber for bringing Tamara along. After the exchange, Alex leaves, and the tension between them lingers.

After the confrontation, Alex quietly throws his gun into the pond, signaling a withdrawal from violence. He returns to life on the farm, reassessing his plans for the future. The disposal marks a turning point in their feud.

Hausner's health deteriorates, and Alex resolves to stay at the farm and look after it in his stead. He shifts from a temporary helper to a caretaker of the property and the old man. The decision locks him into life on the countryside despite their past turmoil.

Susanne becomes pregnant, claiming the child is Robert's. In truth the baby is fathered by Alex, even as the story implies Robert's paternity. The revelation underscores the tangled web of love, guilt, and deception around the farm.

Susanne visits Alex to end their affair and recognizes a photo of Tamara, realizing Alex was the bank robber. The realization reshapes her understanding of the past and her relationship with both men. The truth sets the stage for continued secrecy and quiet consequences.

Alex agrees to keep their tryst a secret and vows not to harm Robert further. He returns to his work on the farm and stays, at least for now, in Hausner's care. The chapter closes with an uneasy, unresolved future.