During World War II, a young Belarusian boy named Flyora discovers an old rifle and decides to join the Soviet partisan forces fighting against the Nazi occupation. Leaving his village behind, he quickly encounters the brutal reality of war when he meets Glasha, a young girl who survives a bombing raid alongside him. Together, they navigate the desolate landscape, increasingly witnessing the horrors and atrocities committed by the occupying forces. The once-innocent Flyora is thrust into a series of nightmarish events that strip away his naivety and force him to confront unimaginable brutality.

The narrative takes on a harrowing journey through the ravaged countryside as Flyora's path intersects with various harbingers of suffering and despair. The constant threat of violence and death becomes ever more palpable as Flyora encounters mass graves, devastated villages, and traumatized survivors. The imagery and experiences contribute to Flyora's transformation, illustrating the profound psychological scars left by war. Through Flyora's eyes, the film paints an unflinching portrait of the destructive impact of conflict on humanity and individual spirit.