Sommer '04

Summer holidays on the Baltic Sea. Miriam, an attractive woman at 40, her partner André and their 15-year-old son Nils are a broad-minded, tolerant family with few taboos. It's no problem that Nils invites his 12-year-old girlfriend Livia along, a brazenly sensuous little Lolita who doesn't even seem to realize the effect she has on men. The vacation is going very well, and they go sailing, play sports and enjoy eating together. But then while sailing Livia meets Bill, a 38-year-old good-looking American who has bought a house nearby. Miriam feels responsible for the girl and is concerned to see how an innocent flirt threatens to turn into a love affair. She confronts Bill with her misgivings - and is charmed by him herself. When she begins having an affair with him, her initial care for the girl turns into jealousy, for Bill seems to cherish more than fatherly feelings for Livia. Miriam gradually loses control of the events. She is confused about her relationship with Bill and no longer knows how to deal with her family. (Berlinale)