The Teachers' Lounge

Carla Nowak embarks on her new journey as a 7th-grade teacher, stepping into an environment filled with uncertainty and pressure. Her primary focus is to create a positive learning experience amidst the growing tension stemming from a series of thefts within the school.

The situation escalates when several teachers report thefts from the teachers' lounge, igniting suspicion amongst the students. Carla's class faces a rigorous examination, leading to discomfort and mistrust among her students as they are forced to empty their wallets for inspection.

Ali, a student of Turkish descent, becomes the focus of scrutiny due to an unexpected amount of money he possesses. As allegations surface against him, the situation becomes even more tense, provoking conversations about racial profiling within the school community.

A chance meeting with Ali's parents helps alleviate suspicions surrounding their son. They explain that the money is merely his allowance, further intensifying the dialogue about racial profiling and bias among the faculty.

Driven by her teaching instincts, Carla starts her own investigation into the thefts. She witnesses a colleague stealing from the school's piggy bank, which propels her to gather evidence that could reveal more about the ongoing issues.

Utilizing her laptop, Carla captures footage of an unidentified thief wearing a notable blouse. This discovery marks a significant turning point in her pursuit of the truth, as she begins to narrow down the suspects in the theft investigation.

Carla confronts Friederike Kuhn, a colleague she suspects might have a connection to the thefts. However, this confrontation reveals heightened tensions, as Kuhn staunchly denies any wrongdoing and reacts with increasing hostility.

In the wake of escalating tensions and the discovery of Carla's secret recordings, Friederike Kuhn is placed on leave. Carla finds herself worried about the implications of her investigative methods, fearing consequences for both herself and the school.

During a chaotic parent-teacher meeting, Kuhn exposes that Carla is under investigation for her secretive actions. This shocking revelation sends Carla into a panic attack, forcing her to retreat and reevaluate her decisions.

In response to his mother's dismissal, Oskar organizes a student-led protest demanding justice for his teacher, Carla. Tensions rise as classmates rally around the cause, showcasing the solidarity and unrest among the students.

As the protests intensify, Oskar's behavior starts to concern Carla and her colleagues. In a moment of emotional turmoil, he steals Carla's laptop and throws it into a river, a decision fueled by a mix of anger and frustration over the situation.

Carla is interviewed by students from the school newspaper, an event that spirals into a dramatic confrontation. The discussion veers into sensitive territory, forcing Carla to readjust her responses as her words are distorted and misrepresented in the published article.

In light of the growing backlash against Carla, the principal imposes a ban on the school newspaper and suspends Oskar. This draconian response only fuels further unrest among the students, who feel their voices are being stifled.

In a quiet and poignant moment, Carla shares a reflective conversation with Oskar. As he solves a Rubik's cube, a gift from her, it showcases his intelligence amid the surrounding chaos, leaving Carla with mixed feelings.

The film concludes with a powerful scene where police officers take Oskar away. His calm demeanor amidst the turmoil starkly contrasts with the chaotic events that enveloped their school, raising questions about justice and accountability.