Pioneer is set in the early '80s, at the beginning of the Norwegian Oil Boom. Enormous oil and gas deposits are discovered in the North Sea and the authorities aim to bring the oil ashore through a pipeline from depths of 500 meters. A professional diver, Petter, obsessed with reaching the bottom of the Norwegian Sea has the discipline, strength and courage to take on the world's most dangerous mission. But a sudden, tragic accident changes everything. Petter is sent on a perilous journey where he loses sight of who's pulling the strings. Gradually he realizes that he is in way over his head and that his life is at stake.

On the 5th of April 2004, the greatest bank robbery in Norwegian history was carried out in Stavanger. The events are seen through the eyes of those who were directly involved – the bank robbers, police officers and employees of the firm. The film is based on testimonies of eye-witnesses and unfolds in the places where the attack took place.