West Germany, 1981. Eighteen-year-old Noah is haunted by the memory of his mother abandoning him at a very young age. He lives with his father Leonardo, a failed writer and eccentric obsessed with researching “Dictator X.” Though Noah wishes he would stop, Leonardo refuses to give up this strange pursuit, even as they struggle financially. One day, an invitation arrives for an auction selling items connected to “Dictator X.” Ignoring Noah’s protests, Leonardo sets off for the ancient castle where the auction is to be held, promising to tell Noah everything once he returns. But Leonardo never comes home. With no way to contact him, Noah heads to the castle himself—only to witness something shocking. Now trapped inside with the other guests, Noah is invited by the mysterious auctioneer to take part in the event himself.