The narrative unfolds on a nude beach in Germany during the late 1960s, as we are introduced to Ulrike Meinhoff, a well-respected journalist alongside her family. The tension escalates when Meinhoff and her husband attend a party where she reads an article detailing the injustices of the Iranian Government. The arrival of the Shah of Persia in Berlin incites a rally that splits the crowd; some people protest against the regime, while others express their support. As the protest intensifies, it turns violent, with Iranian backers clashing against innocent German protesters, resulting in injuries and even a fatality.
In a subsequent scene, Meinhoff engages in a heated debate on television, defending the protesters as she advocates for their cause, a broadcast that catches the attention of Gudrun Ensslin, another passionate activist. Ensslin articulates her beliefs about the corruption of American Imperialism to her parents, all while Meinhoff discovers her husband in an affair.
Next, we meet Andreas Baader, the leader of a revolutionary group who labels themselves the Red Army Faction (RAF). Their audacious beginnings include orchestrating a bombing in a department store, igniting a series of demonstrations and protests, particularly among the youth in West Germany, led by Rudi Dutschke. The stakes rise when Dutschke narrowly survives an assassination attempt by someone linked to the Springer Group, which has ties to the government, resulting in an uproar at the group's headquarters.
The narrative progresses with Meinhoff eavesdropping on her parents' astonished discussions about Ensslin's radical actions. During a visit to Ensslin in jail, Meinhoff learns of her unwavering commitment to opposing the German State. We also encounter Peter Boock, an activist who suffers brutal treatment in jail; soon, the RAF finds a home base for their operations.
Amidst political turmoil, Baader and Ensslin undertake a journey to Italy in 1970, where they consult with their lawyer regarding their return to Germany, acquiring weapons and money to fuel their revolution. Upon their return, they crash at Meinhoff’s residence, declaring their intent to rectify the political landscape or perish in the effort. A gripping moment occurs when Baader is arrested during a routine traffic stop, prompting Ensslin to orchestrate his escape in an audacious plan accompanied by Meinhoff.
The publicized escape labels Baader, Ensslin, and Meinhoff as terrorists, prompting their escape to Jordan for military training. However, tensions among the group escalate, particularly with Meinhoff's partner, who opts to abandon the revolutionary cause. Following their training, they execute a series of bank heists, gaining infamy and support among the German populace. The film captures this crucial turning point, as their actions ignite a series of violent confrontations with the police, leading to fatalities during a botched robbery.
The narrative soon pivots to the drastic measures taken by the German government, leading to the RAF members’ imprisonment and isolation. The somber events of the Munich Olympic Games underscore the violent reality of their cause. As the story continues, the remaining members, now facing dire consequences, attempt a hunger strike to advocate for their treatment as political prisoners, further highlighting the grave situation within the prison system.
Amid palpable tension, Holger Meins, a fellow member, succumbs to neglect as he dies in confinement. The story continues with failed attempts at liberation, missed opportunities for trials, and the group's deteriorating morale. The film further reveals the psychological struggles Meinhoff faces, culminating in her tragic death under suspicious circumstances, which is ruled a suicide.
As the narrative reaches February 1976, the urgency for survival grips the members of the RAF. With plans of a mass kidnapping to secure their freedom, tensions rise. The tale crescendos into chaos as external pressures mount, leading to catastrophic betrayals and a bloody resolution that sees all RAF members in prison brutally murdered.
The haunting conclusion captures the grim legacy of the RAF, illustrating the inescapable cycle of violence as the next generation of revolutionaries carries the mantle forward, leaving a chilling impression about the lengths individuals will go to for their beliefs.
