В tumultuous year of 1993, as Russia undergoes unprecedented transformations, the life of 14-year-old Sanya Ryabinina becomes a vivid reflection of the chaos surrounding him. A typical teenager, he dreams of adventure, yet is deeply plagued by fears of violence and the conflicts that define his world. Daily encounters with local bullies, internal struggles over his commitment to music school, and awkward attempts to connect with girls fill his life. Amidst his search for identity, Sanya's family, including a hardworking mother and a professor father, face new challenges brought by the arrival of Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war. The enigmatic figure of Zheka introduces Sanya to a realm brimming with possibilities and tests, affecting not only him but also his friends Volka and Ilyusha, as they navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence.
Overwhelmed by mounting difficulties, Sanya makes a fateful decision that changes everything—he steals a car belonging to a criminal authority. This impulsive act unleashes a cascade of conflicts, drawing him into a web of complex relationships with peers and parents who challenge his notions of personal strength and moral integrity. As societal changes collide with generational tensions, Sanya's journey becomes intertwined with the significant events of his era. His quest for self-discovery and inner conflict resonates not only with him but also with those seeking meaning and hope in a challenging reality, where every choice can lead to unforeseen consequences, echoing the struggles of a youth facing a rapidly evolving world.