After a traumatic experience, the psychologically broken teacher Sergio tries to make a new start in a remote alpine village. In stark contrast to his own state of mind, all the locals seem happy. Soon he learns the reason: Anyone who hugs the introverted teenager Matteo loses all negative feelings. The boy is marketed and exploited as a saint by his father and the church. When Sergio encourages the Holy Boy to break out of his role, it has devastating consequences.