In the context of World War I, a group of young Germans enlist with grand dreams of glory and heroism, unaware of the harsh reality that awaits them in the trenches. Paul, the protagonist, is one of these idealists who, driven by propaganda, rushes to the front alongside his friends. What begins as an adventure quickly turns into a nightmare, as the brutality of the conflict tests not only their physical endurance but also their humanity.
As the conflict progresses, Paul and his comrades confront the daily horrors of war: deafening explosions, the constant threat of death, and the suffering of the wounded. The camaraderie that initially gave them strength begins to erode with each loss. The promises of glory fade in the face of the grim reality of the trenches, where sacrifice seems endless.
The story follows Paul in his struggle to maintain his identity and dreams while the cruel violence consumes him and his friends. Through intense battle scenes and moments of heartbreaking reflection, the romantic notion of war is dismantled, revealing despair and disillusionment. In a deeply emotional journey, the film invites the viewer to question the true cost of conflict, confronting the horrors of the past with a haunting relevance to the present.