In an isolated corner of Western Europe, Carl and Rita rent a house on stilts in a river. But as they spend so much time only in each other's company, cracks in their relationship start to appear. Secretly hoping to meet someone he can look up to as Rita finishes her dissertation, Carl embarks on a search for the last remaining traditional local boat-builder. His quest brings him to a stern craftsman whose harsh, critical approach erodes Carl's self-esteem...