Afire 2023

Friends Felix and Leon set off on a road trip to Felix’s family’s vacation retreat near the picturesque Baltic Sea, close to Ahrenshoop. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when their car breaks down, leaving them to navigate through the lush forest with their belongings in tow. Upon reaching the house, they discover it is occupied by Nadja, a fact made evident by the signs of her presence, although they do not meet her right away. Nadja’s romantic escapades echo through the night, disrupting their peace and leading to Leon’s mounting resentment toward her.

As the days unfold, whispers of nearby forest fires become increasingly alarming, hinting at a looming threat over their idyllic vacation. Leon becomes engrossed in perfecting his manuscript for a second novel, while Felix takes a more leisurely approach, focusing on completing his photography portfolio. In the midst of it all, the two friends eventually come face to face with Nadja, who proves to be warm and inviting, yet Leon is unable to shake his irritation.

Meanwhile, Felix forms a connection with Nadja and her boyfriend, Devid, a lifeguard at the local beach. The emotional tension among the four grows, especially as Leon withdraws further into his discontent. While Nadja reaches out to Leon in an attempt to befriend him, he struggles with accepting her overtures. Eventually, he reluctantly allows her to read his manuscript, which she critiques unfavorably, stating he is aware of its shortcomings. This horrifying revelation sends Leon spiraling into isolation for the night.

The arrival of Leon’s publisher, Helmut, only deepens Leon’s despair, particularly when Helmut bonds more easily with Felix, Devid, and Nadja—who is far more academically accomplished than Leon had assumed, being a doctoral candidate in literature rather than merely a seasonal employee. Tensions peak during a dinner filled with unease for Leon while others enjoy the moment. Just as the forest fires edge closer, the air thickening with ash, Felix and Devid leave to retrieve their car.

In a twist of fate, Helmut suffers a medical emergency, prompting Nadja to hastily drive him to the hospital in a tiny rental car, with Leon following closely behind on foot. On his frantic path, he witnesses wild boars fleeing the threat of fire and, after witnessing the harrowing death of one, finds himself in a desperate race against time as the flames close in behind him. He eventually makes it to the hospital where he finds Nadja slumped asleep on a bench, creating a moment of quiet connection between the two.

The following morning, as they await news of Helmut’s condition, he converses privately with both Leon and Nadja, revealing a fragile side of himself while lying about his health to spare their feelings. Helmut’s comforting words encourage Leon to reconsider his troubled project, promising eventual success if he continues to pursue it. Yet, the strain builds as Nadja’s attempts to console Leon are met with anger, resulting in a confrontation that sends her away in frustration as Leon grapples with his emotions alone on the beach.

As fate would have it, Nadja soon encounters police officers who deliver the devastating news that Devid and Felix have perished in the fires. The sight of their charred remains becomes a haunting moment for both Nadja, who is overcome with grief, and for Leon, who stands frozen, ruminating on the tragedies of history instead of confronting his own pain. The weight of loss pushes Nadja to leave; Leon’s sobs echo against the backdrop of the bioluminescent sea, a beauty he had shunned earlier.

Some time later, we find Leon sitting beside Helmut in the hospital, now passionately revisiting the draft of his newly conceptualized manuscript, which draws from the shared experiences of that summer. Together, they sift through photographs Felix captured, enriching the narrative they’re constructing. However, Helmut eventually sends Leon away for a treatment session, leading to an unexpected reunion with Nadja outside, where a moment of silent acknowledgment passes between them, hinting at the profound connections and heartaches that have unfolded throughout their intertwined lives.