Laura (Penelope Cruz) returns to her home village in Castile with her two children for her sister Ana's (Inma Cuesta) wedding. The only downside to the exuberant celebration with her extended family is that her husband Alejandro (Ricardo Darín) had to stay in Buenos Aires due to urgent business. When her 16-year-old daughter Irene (Carla Campra) suddenly disappears during the night, Laura's nightmare begins. The kidnappers make it clear that if the police are called, it will mean death for the hostage. Laura's childhood sweetheart Paco (Javier Bardem) and her brother-in-law Fernando (Eduard Fernández) stand by the desperate mother in this difficult situation. Not only concern for the girl, but also a terrible suspicion causes additional unrest in the family: someone from their circle must have helped the kidnappers. Raising the ransom money also proves more difficult than expected. Alejandro, who has since traveled from Argentina, is no longer the successful businessman he once was. Now Laura's hopes are pinned on Paco, to whom she once sold the land for his thriving winery at a bargain price. Only he can raise the 3,000 euros demanded.