In a forgotten corner of Belarus during World War II, a young man named Florya dreams of becoming a brave warrior, fueled by the stories he has heard about the resistance against the Nazis. However, his innocent desire for heroism soon gets cut short as he faces the harsh reality of war. After his family is taken away by German forces, Florya embarks on a desperate quest to find his mother and restore a sense of normalcy to his life.
As he navigates through a devastated landscape, the story becomes a haunting and heartbreaking journey. Florya encounters other survivors, including a young girl named Rusa, who shares in his pain and struggle for survival. Together, they confront not only the brutality of the conflict but also the horror of the atrocities tearing their people apart. Every step they take serves as a reminder of the loss and dehumanization that surrounds war.
With striking cinematography and direction that does not shy away from violence, the film immerses the viewer in a world where hope seems to fade away. Throughout his journey, Florya transforms, becoming a heart-wrenching reflection of lost youth as his innocence crumbles before the relentless reality of the conflict. It is a cinematic experience that leaves a profound mark, reminding us of the personal cost of war.