The Müller company has dwindled to a mere group of twenty-three soldiers, who are trying to fight against their merciless fate from a lost position. The sick company commander has been taken from the battered Russian village into the endless forests, where they attempt to escape the encirclement, cut off from their comrades and higher command. They are accompanied by the family of the village elder, Alexei Kokowkin. Sergeant Brettschneider does not believe they can make it to the Finnish border. However, the men have faith in Lieutenant Müller. He dares to lead the ragged company, marked by unspeakable suffering, on a forced march.