Rüdiger Dohmann, a specialist in internal medicine, reveals to his wife Iris one day that he wants to marry his pregnant mistress, psychologist Clarissa Mawaldt. This sends Iris into a deep depression, and due to her apathy she is cheated out of a considerable sum in the divorce settlement.
Although she has no job and is short of money, Iris slowly begins to pull herself together. She still has a few good friends left. She embarks upon an affair with her new neighbour, bank manager Martin Gräf. She is 40 years old, they use contraceptives - but nevertheless Iris becomes pregnant. And she resolves that she wants this child, however the relationship turns out. Which means that a turbulent time lies ahead of her...