| Director | Hans Weingartner |
|---|
Jule, a 24-year-old biology student, fails her final exam just before the summer semester ends. On top of that, she discovers she is unintentionally pregnant. Her mother pressures her to have an abortion, but Jule is unsure. Hoping to involve the father, Alex, who is writing his doctoral thesis in Portugal, she decides to drive her late brother's Mercedes Hymer 303 camper van to find him. Her brother had died by suicide, making the journey even more emotionally charged for Jule.
Shortly after leaving Berlin, Jule picks up Jan, a politics student about her age, who is hitchhiking to Cologne and plans to continue to northern Spain to meet his biological father. The two quickly engage in deep discussions, and when the sensitive topic of suicide arises, Jule reacts emotionally and drops Jan off at the next stop. Later, at a motorway service station, a man approaches Jule, claiming to be interested in her camper van, but his intentions turn sexual. By coincidence, Jan is at the station as well, having been picked up by a trucker. When he realizes he left his phone in Jule's van, he arrives just in time to help her fend off the attacker. Afterward, Jule, feeling more at ease, invites Jan to stay the night in her van.
The next morning, Jule invites Jan to continue traveling with her. They argue again this time about whether people are naturally inclined toward competition (as Jan believes) or cooperation (as Jule thinks). As they travel through Belgium and into France, they slow down, enjoying the scenic countryside, quiet rest stops, and shared meals. Their conversations deepen, becoming more personal and exploring topics such as the relationship between men and women and what makes it work. Despite these discussions, Jule still struggles with her pregnancy. When she tells Alex over the phone, his distant response leaves her feeling disappointed. Jan tries to comfort her with a Tarte aux Pommes and a gentle, though tentative, touch. It becomes clear that Jule and Jan are beginning to fall in love.
Before they confess their feelings, they reach Jan’s destination. Jule is with him as he sees his father from a distance but is unable to approach him, so they continue their journey together. After some adventures by the Atlantic Ocean including Jan’s first surfboard ride and a chilly hike Jule and Jan finally give in to their feelings. The next morning, Jule confesses that she is pregnant and has decided to carry the child to term. Jan is calm and accepting of her decision.
However, when Jule arrives in Porto, she experiences a miscarriage. She consults a gynecologist and learns that she has lost the embryo. Despite the heartbreak, Jule continues her journey, dropping Jan off in the town center before heading to Alex. Jan waits for her, falling asleep in a café and then on the steps of the market square. Late at night, Jule returns to her camper van. They both run toward each other, unsure of what the future holds, but knowing they’ve both been changed by their journey.