The main character of the film, 11-year-old Talgat, lives on the outskirts of Alma-Ata in a dysfunctional family that consists of alcoholic parents, six-year-old sister Guli and mentally ill uncle Nurik. Talgat goes to school, earns money, does household chores, takes care of Gul and his uncle, and also manages to enjoy the company of his best friends.