In May 1945, when an entire continent is liberated from war, Vera Nilsen is raped in her attic in Oslo by an unknown man, leading to the birth of Fred. Five years later, Vera is married and has another son, Barnum, Fred's half-brother. Growing up during the Cold War - Barnum with his father, Fred looking for his - the half-brothers become estranged from each other, after which Fred even disappears. Years later, at the 1990 Berlin Film Festival, Barnum learns that Fred has returned. When the true identity of Fred's father finally comes to light, the two half-brothers can be reunited once again.