Pelican Blood

SYNOPSIS

Wiebke, a horse trainer and adoptive mother to Nicolina, adopts her second child, 5-year-old Raya. When the girl shows violent and anti-social behaviour, Wiebke must decide whether she is willing to keep her and risk Nicolina's safety.
Wiebke (Nina Hoss) is a horse trainer and adoptive mother to Nicolina. The two share a strong bond and live an idyllic life in the countryside. Together they plan on expanding their family to include Raya and travel to the young girl's native Bulgaria to bring her home. Shortly after that trip, Wiebke learns that her new daughter suffers from an attachment disorder and cannot build emotional connections to those around her – further, she begins exhibiting shocking behaviour and grows increasingly violent, claiming her actions are motivated by the provocation of a dark spirit. After a specialist explains that Raya will have lifelong issues and does not feel empathy, Wiebke must decide whether she is willing to keep her new child and simultaneously risk Nicolina's safety.