System Crasher

The story begins with nine-year-old Benni, who struggles with aggressive behavior due to feelings of abandonment. Her reactions are exacerbated by her traumatic childhood experience, leading her to lash out whenever she is touched by someone other than her mother.

Benni is repeatedly suspended from her special school as her uncontrollable outbursts make it impossible for the institution to maintain order. This inability to find a stable environment for her marks her as a 'system crasher' within the German social support system.

Benni's greatest desire is to reunite with her mother, Bianca, who is overwhelmed and lives with an abusive partner named Jens. This complex family dynamic significantly contributes to Benni’s emotional struggles.

In an act of desperation, Benni runs away and manages to hitch a ride back home. Upon arrival, she finds her younger siblings alone, engrossed in horror films, and exhibits a caring side by changing the channel and preparing food for them.

The brief sense of stability is shattered when Bianca returns home with Jens. Initially joyful, Benni's emotions turn to fury, and she violently reacts by attacking both Jens and her mother with a vase, leading to the police being called.

In a shocking turn of events, Jens retaliates against Benni's outburst by locking her in a wardrobe until help arrives. This incident highlights the abusive environment she is surrounded by and the urgency of her situation.

Frau Bafané, determined to help Benni, introduces her to anger-management trainer Micha Heller. Micha, an avid boxing fan experienced with troubled youth, begins to forge a connection with Benni as they embark on a journey to school together.

Micha proposes an unconventional approach by taking Benni to a rustic lodge in the woods for outdoor education. During their time there, Benni begins to form a tentative bond with Micha, even referring to him as 'Papa', which brings both comfort and tension to their professional relationship.

In a failed bid to bring Benni back home, Bianca attends a case meeting but reveals her own fears about her daughter. Overwhelmed, she exits the meeting without saying goodbye, leaving Frau Bafané devastated as she prepares to break the news to Benni.

As Benni struggles to find a stable placement, she is temporarily returned to her former emergency housing. The situation becomes dire as discussions arise about sending her abroad to Kenya, reflecting the overwhelming challenges in finding suitable care.

In a moment of desperation, Benni seeks refuge with Micha's family, who welcome her. She bonds with their baby but risks her temper flaring when the baby accidentally touches her face, hinting at her ongoing internal struggles.

After an incident where Micha’s wife attempts to take the baby back, Benni feels cornered and locks herself in the bathroom. Micha’s attempt to intervene leads her to escape through the window, further highlighting her need for freedom.

After fleeing into the cold woods, Benni loses herself in a whirlwind of dreams and confusion. Hours later, she is found in a state of hypothermia, emphasizing the dangers she faces while searching for a sense of belonging.

As plans to send Benni to Kenya are underway, she makes a final dash for freedom at the airport. This moment symbolizes her deep longing for independence and her struggles against the system designed to protect her.

The film concludes with Benni leaping into the air with a smile, an ephemeral moment of joy amidst her tumultuous journey. The scene freezes and shatters like broken glass, symbolizing the fragility of her dreams and the harsh reality of her circumstances.