Hans-Peter (HP), an extremely sucessful investment banker, is hosting a barbeque at his luxurious villa, situated on the lake of Zürich. He lives here with his wife Karin, their son Max and Birthe, the Danish au-pair girl. Nobody knows that HP has suffered large financial losses or that he is secretely advertising the sale of his villa on the internet. Philip, HP's boss, arrives with his pregnant wife Sue, and their baby-daughter. HP is hoping that the private, laid-back atmosphere will help him get the go-ahead from his boss for a deal that could save him.

The evening sets out to be a friendly affair. Before long, however, HP realises that his plan is not running smoothly: Gutzler, the slick intern that Philip brought to the party, knows too much. Moreover, he is coming onto H-P's wife, Karin. Philip is unapproachable as the au-pair is demanding all of his attention. She is threatening to blow the whislte on their affair.

Philips' attempt to calm Birthe down by bribing her only makes matters worse: she refuses to accept the money. In the ensuing argument Philip smacks Birthe in the face. As a consequence she demands a horrendous sum of money, to be paid out that very same night. Even for Philip, this amount of money is too much and his pride wont stand for it. Accustomed to his employees' faithful loyalty, he sends HP up to Birthe's room to bargain her down. When HP refuses to help Philip, the latter makes it absolutely clear to him that his job is on the line. Afterall, Gutzler is more than an apt subsitute. HP thus quickly realises this favour might be his last chance. HP pulls every trick he has out of his sleave, but Birthe remains adamant. The evening turns into a fiasco.