The lives of two very different brothers become simultaneously intertwined and thrust apart in this intense and powerful drama directed by Susanne Bier.

Jannik (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) is released from prison and embraced by his brother Michael (Ulrich Thomsen), an upright soldier and family man being deployed to Afghanistan. The family tension is palpable as Jannik re-assumes his role of alcoholic deviant while his loving brother prepares for impending deployment. Shortly after commencing his tour of duty, Michael's helicopter crashes and he is presumed dead. Jannik summons previously untapped maturity, aiding and comforting Michael's two daughters and wife Sarah (Connie Nielsen). As Sarah and Jannik grow closer, their dependence and admiration intensify. A world away Michael is alive, enduring the unimaginable in hopes of surviving to return home.