In 1988, the Berlin dancer Christine suddenly encounters her long-lost twin sister, Marlene, from West Germany. To find out all about their respective lives, they agree to swap roles, taking enormous risks.

Joachim's family home is on the grounds of a psychiatric hospital, where his father is the director. Joachim's unconventional upbringing sees him plagued by fits of anger and sadness.

Influential families in 1939 Nazi Germany send their daughters to an English finishing school, where an undercover British agent poses as a teacher.