Summer ’04

Miriam, who has just turned forty, begins a seaside vacation with her husband André and their fifteen-year-old son Nils on the Schlei in northern Germany. Their teenage guest Livia has come along with the family, and Miriam worries about the potential for trouble between Livia and André's friend Bill. The family settles into the quiet Baltic coast as the trip begins.

Nils and Livia go sailing together, but Nils returns alone claiming Livia is still out with a man they met, Bill Ginger. Bill, an American with German roots, makes a strong impression and flirts with Livia. Miriam feels uneasy about the situation, while André remains unconcerned.

Livia spends more time with Bill, leaving Miriam uneasy about the younger girl's closeness to him. Bill seems smitten, and Miriam views the growing relationship as problematic.

Livia fails to come home one night, prompting Miriam to drive to Bill's house to confront them. Bill casually explains that Livia went for a walk after an argument and says he knows when to stop. His calm assurance contrasts with Miriam's fear and sense of responsibility for the guest.

The next day, the family sails again: Miriam and Bill take the C55 catamaran while André and Livia sail the other boat. During a beach break, Miriam tries to seduce Bill, but he resists.

Later, Miriam drives to Bill's house and they have sex. Afterwards, they see Livia downstairs, apparently having heard their lovemaking.

In the coming days the family visits a fair and the Landesmuseum at Gottorf Castle to view the bog people exhibit. The relationship between André and Nils grows strained as the situation at home becomes more fraught.

Bill ends the affair, telling Miriam that he is in love with Livia. Miriam realizes the depth of the complication and the consequences of their actions.

Miriam and Livia sail again, but Livia is struck in the head by the main sail boom. Livia insists she is okay, and they continue sailing, deepening Miriam's guilt and worry.

Livia later says she feels sick and collapses again. Miriam rushes her to the hospital, where Livia dies, leaving the family devastated and stunned by the tragedy.

Back at home, Nils asks his father why he lied about the timing of the incident. Miriam concedes that he was right, and they acknowledge the fragile balance that led to Livia's death.

That night, Miriam packs her things and André drops her off at Bill's house. They talk, and Miriam confesses there is no one she'd rather be with, after which they have sex.

A few years later, Miriam and Bill, now a couple, visit Livia's mother and her new suitor in Germany. Livia's mother reads a letter from Livia dated August 2004, suggesting Miriam and Bill would be a happy match, and Miriam insists they are indeed very happy.