We Might As Well Be Dead

The story begins in a tranquil sanctuary, where residents of a high-rise building coexist in a harmonious and joyful environment. This idyllic setting is characterized by communal celebrations and shared experiences among its inhabitants.

Anna Wilczyńska, a Polish woman and the community gatekeeper, plays a pivotal role in maintaining order. She broadcasts important announcements and weather updates, ensuring that the residents are informed and connected.

Tragedy strikes when Gerti's beloved dog goes missing, a development that shatters the peace of the sanctuary. This event is the catalyst for a series of upheavals that unravel the community's previously idyllic existence.

Iris Anna Wilczyńska, Anna's teenage daughter, becomes increasingly convinced that her bad luck has summoned a malevolent force responsible for the dog's disappearance. Her fears lead her to lock herself in the bathroom, believing isolation will protect others from misfortune.

As Iris keeps herself isolated, her fears manifest into night terrors, further deepening her disconnect from reality and the community around her. This mental turmoil affects both her and her mother, adding strain to their relationship.

While trying to manage the chaos and calm her daughter, Anna inadvertently attracts the attention of suspicious residents. Misidentified as a burglar and voyeur, she becomes a target of paranoia, which stokes fear among the inhabitants.

Gerti claims to have found another dead animal, insisting it is his missing dog, and spreads rumors that the real culprit is hiding among them. This leads to an atmosphere of anxiety that disrupts the previously harmonious community.

In response to the rising tension and distrust, the residents decide to form a neighborhood watch. The new vetting process for all residents raises alarm in Anna, who fears it may further erode the trust and security within the community.

Desperate to regain control, Anna devises a plan to frame Wolfram Mantel, an aspiring poet. This attempt at manipulation backfires spectacularly when her deceit is unraveled, leading to severe consequences for Wolfram.

After uncovering Anna's plot, the vigilant residents turn on Wolfram, forcing him out of the building as a scapegoat. Anna finds brief relief, but the ongoing scrutiny of all residents leaves her feeling vulnerable.

Tensions reach a peak when Anna and Iris engage in a heated argument, which escalates into a loud altercation. This conflict ultimately results in their eviction from the sanctuary they once called home.

As Anna and Iris leave the building, they come across the Richards family, who were denied entry into the sanctuary earlier in their lives. This encounter hints at the intertwining of their fates and potential future developments.