Der Schatten

When Norah is prophesied by a beggar woman that she will kill a man named Arthur Grimm on August 13th in Vienna's Prater, her world threatens to fall apart. The young journalist had actually imagined her new start in Vienna differently. But the mysterious prophecy won't let her go. She doesn't know any Arthur Grimm and the peace-loving Norah would never dare to commit a murder. But the date of the words resonates in Norah's mind: because 14 years ago, on August 13th, something happened that changed her life forever. But Norah can't delve deeper into it: the exalted performance artist Wolfgang Balder wants Norah to write a portrait of him, even though the two of them had previously clashed. But the artist wants her candid view of his work and his life. For Norah's new employer, the Viennese magazine "Neue Normalität", this offer is worth its weight in gold.

The beggar's death raises more questions for Norah. When the body was found, she suddenly received a message from an unknown number warning her about Arthur Grimm. "Arthur Grimm is dangerous!" is the ominous message. But the mysterious sender does not identify himself. Together with her neighbor Theresa, Norah ponders who the message could be from and who Arthur Grimm is. But both of them can't figure it out. As expected, Norah's work on the Balder portrait is complicated. At a vernissage, Norah even clashed loudly with the artist. After all, Norah gets along better with her colleague Emil after initial difficulties. If Emil had his way, the collegial relationship could develop into something more.

The inexplicable events surrounding Norah continue to come to a head. Things start disappearing from her apartment, memory lapses surface, and Norah begins to question her sanity. After the eerie encounter with Grimm, Norah is summoned by the police. But to Norah's surprise, it's not about the dead beggar, but about Arthur Grimm: He accuses her of stalking! Norah is beside herself. To make matters worse, there is no relief for Norah in the office either. Because the office flirtation with Emil that started so noncommittally seems to be not enough for him. When Norah puts him in his place, he retaliates. Norah receives unexpected help from Wolfgang Balder, who shows himself to be understanding and makes an immoral offer to Norah.

Norah tries to put the mysterious events around her in order - unaware that her every step is being monitored. At least she seems to be getting closer and closer to the sender of the anonymous messages: Thanks to Werner's help, Norah is now certain that the unknown number is Grimm's ex-girlfriend Emma Mertens. She has to find them in order to get answers from her about the Grimm cause. But before Norah can follow this lead, Gruber tells her an unpleasant truth about Emil, which causes quite a stir in the office and puts her in trouble to explain herself to Balder. The once hated artist is increasingly becoming an important reference person for Norah and always manages to lure her out of her reserve and look into the furthest corners of her soul.

August 13th is getting closer and closer. There is increasing evidence of an ominous connection between Arthur Grimm and Norah's childhood friend Valerie. Emma's presence triggers emotional chaos in Norah. Grimm's ex-girlfriend reminds her almost painfully of Valerie. At the same time, Norah is plagued by the guilty conscience of having brought Grimm back to her. Norah must protect Emma.

It's August 13th. Norah confronts Arthur Grimm at the Prater. She's ready for anything. But although Norah thinks she has it all figured out, things turn out completely differently than expected. Norah is on the run. In addition to the police, Emma and her office are also desperately searching for Norah's whereabouts. Norah is now certain that Grimm is to blame for Valerie's death and must be held accountable. But nobody wants to believe her.