In the story, we follow the life of Katrine and her family over two distinct time periods – first, in the present day, and then seven years later.
Present Day: Katrine is having a meal with her children, Janne and Jostein. Jostein has developmental disabilities and struggles to communicate his feelings. Janne is frustrated because her father, Gunnar, can’t take her to gymnastics as planned due to work commitments. Katrine has to bring both children along, and Jostein’s joy is evident when Janne plays “Let it Go” in the car.
Gunnar’s depression takes a toll on their relationship, and they’ve seen a couples’ therapist. Their discussions often revolve around their lack of intimacy, with Katrine expressing her desire for sex, which Gunnar sees as a way for her to escape her feelings.
Seven Years Later: Katrine has moved to a summerhouse with Jostein, who is now in a care institution. Gunnar and Janne expected her to return home, but she hasn’t. Katrine works as a freelance translator, and her appearance has changed, making Janne embarrassed of her.
Janne invites Katrine to a fancy restaurant for her 16th birthday dinner, along with her boyfriend and his parents. Katrine is annoyed and financially stressed, leading to a social media spat with Janne.
While shopping for Jostein, Katrine naps at his apartment and is confronted by Preben, Jostein’s neighbor, inappropriately. Gunnar arrives for a meeting to discuss Jostein’s medication, leading Katrine to recall a previous incident where Janne had to take care of Jostein when Katrine wasn’t around.
Katrine tries to teach Jostein self-care but finds herself in awkward situations. Gunnar and Katrine discuss Jostein’s sexual urges, but they differ on how to handle it. Gunnar’s frustration with Katrine’s approach grows.
Back in the present day, a troubling incident with Preben occurs at the care institution, leading to a disagreement between Gunnar and Katrine during a meeting with the staff. Katrine dismisses the incident, but Gunnar insists it should be reported.
Katrine’s work struggles, and she realizes her comments on a translated book are problematic. She agrees to attend the birthday dinner, calls Gunnar for money, and expresses resentment over the unequal treatment of Janne and Jostein. A conversation with Sylvia, Preben’s sister, unnerves Katrine as she recounts a similar experience with Preben and her mother’s neglect.
The story alternates between past and present, showcasing Katrine’s complex emotions and family dynamics. As she grapples with her family’s challenges and her own struggles, she eventually joins Gunnar and Janne in celebrating Janne’s birthday, offering a glimmer of hope for their fractured relationship.