Etty

Etty Hillesum, a law student in Amsterdam, suffers from persistent emotional distress and is advised to consult the psycho-chirologist Julius Spier. Their first encounter marks the beginning of a transformative therapeutic relationship. Meanwhile, Amsterdam is under German occupation, and political repression begins to affect daily life.

During a lecture, Julius Spier publicly describes one of his patients in a dismissive way, unaware that Etty is in the audience. She regrets having sought his help but is also drawn to him emotionally. The encounter becomes a tense confrontation between patient and therapist.

Anti-Jewish restrictions intensify in Amsterdam, and Etty is banned from university. As Spier is summoned by the Gestapo, she intervenes to help him. Despite her attempt to distance herself, she is increasingly pulled back into his orbit as political pressure grows.

Julius Spier is ordered to report to the Westerbork transit camp. In an attempt to protect him, Etty proposes marriage. She is torn between self-preservation and her emotional attachment to him as deportation becomes imminent.

Etty begins working for the Jewish Council in Amsterdam, where she witnesses how some Jews receive exemptions from deportation. While increasingly disillusioned by the system, she attempts to help those without protection and continues trying to protect Spier.

Etty believes she may be pregnant. Despite attempts to persuade her to go into hiding, she refuses and decides to continue her path. She prepares to join the Jewish Council’s outpost in Westerbork, fully aware of the risks and the tightening grip of deportations.