Martin is a 76-year-old man who learns that he has pancreatic cancer with less than six months to live. He struggles with the idea of telling his wife, Ulla, and their young son, David, about his terminal illness. As he contemplates how to break the news to his family, he reflects on his life, relationships, and his desire to leave something meaningful for his son.
David, their son, shares an incident from kindergarten where he stood up to a bully. Martin is proud of him, reminiscing about his own childhood experiences and first love. He recalls his own background, being a university professor in the field of justice, while Ulla was an art student. Despite the significant age difference, they fell in love and built a life together. However, now facing death, Martin laments that he won’t witness his son growing up and the unfolding of history.
When Martin eventually tells Ulla about his cancer diagnosis, she breaks down, and they share a rare, tender moment. They discuss the things they want to do together before Martin’s time runs out, like going to the cinema, visiting a fair, and sitting in a car wash. Ulla also suggests that Martin leave something for David, such as a video message or letter to provide guidance for his son.
Martin starts writing a letter to David, addressing his beliefs about religion, God, love, and the unjustness of the world. David’s birthday approaches, and Martin and David decide to create portraits of each other as a gift for Ulla. However, they face a challenging discussion about death as David’s drawing symbolizes the loss of Martin’s vision. Despite Martin’s attempts to ease the situation, he struggles to convey his thoughts and emotions to his son.
As Martin’s condition deteriorates, he tries to write a meaningful letter to David. He ponders the difference between falling in love and loving, emphasizing that love is about the other person, while falling in love is more self-centered. Filled with energy, Martin marches back to his doctor, hoping for a misdiagnosis, but the doctor confirms his terminal condition.
Despite his initial motivation to leave something practical for David, Martin struggles to determine what it should be. He ultimately considers taking David on a hiking trip to create lasting memories together. They embark on this journey, during which Martin teaches David various life skills and the importance of maintaining things, like building a small dam at a lake.
Upon their return, Ulla expresses frustration with Martin for suggesting a compost pile that she believes will be her responsibility. Their argument leads to an argument about their past, particularly how Martin did not want Ulla to continue her education. This resentment stems from differing perceptions of their relationship, with Ulla believing that Martin hindered her academic aspirations.
Martin decides to visit Ulla’s atelier as a surprise, but he stumbles upon her in the arms of another man, Peter. Martin is devastated and becomes suspicious of Ulla’s affair. He becomes obsessed with following Peter and finding out more about him. Through his surveillance, he learns that Peter is a regular, average man who lives down by the river.
Ulla’s birthday arrives, and Martin plans a special day for her and David. He has their portraits framed and takes David out of kindergarten to spend the day with them. However, Ulla is distant and leaves for work, revealing her dissatisfaction in their marriage. This prompts Martin to hire a private detective to find out more about Ulla’s father, who abandoned her when she was a child. His goal is to provide Ulla with a sense of closure before his death.
Martin travels to Ulla’s father’s last-known location, meeting a woman who explains that Ulla’s father was unjustly accused of molestation by Ulla’s mother and grandmother, leading to his expulsion from their lives. She shares some keepsakes and insights into his character. When Martin shares this information with Ulla, she experiences a mix of emotions and starts making sense of her past.
David becomes distant, refusing to hold Martin’s hand and making reference to his impending death. Martin is determined to connect with his son and eases David’s fears about his demise, promising that he will find a way to communicate from the “house around the corner.”
As Martin’s health declines, he writes a letter to David, sharing his thoughts on God, religion, love, and justice. He believes that love is what truly matters, emphasizing that it’s about caring for others. Martin desires to make his remaining time meaningful and enjoyable for his family.
Martin decides to visit Peter, Ulla’s lover, and have a candid conversation about his intentions toward Ulla and caring for David in the future. Peter is taken aback by Martin’s visit, as Ulla has just ended their relationship. Martin realizes that his suspicions were unfounded.
Their family journey continues with a visit to the sea. David thrives and Martin and Ulla reignite their passion for each other. However, Martin’s health deteriorates further, and he loses his ability to eat. David asks about his death, and Martin reassures him that it is not the end but a new beginning in the “house around the corner.”
As Martin’s life comes to a close, he reflects on his love for his family, their memories, and the lessons he hopes to leave for David.