In a context of decadence and chaos, an aristocratic German family sees their privileges crumble as the shadow of Nazism looms over Europe. In an opulent mansion, the members of the von Essenbeck family, led by the patriarch, attempt to adapt to the political changes threatening their way of life. However, the family business, a metalworking industry, becomes a microcosm of the struggle between morality and ambition.
Loyalty and the desire for power play a crucial role as the characters make decisions that compromise their principles. The patriarch's son, Martin, feels trapped between the family legacy and his growing revulsion for the atrocities of the regime. Meanwhile, the beauty and controversy of his cousin, Sophie, attract both allies and enemies. Tensions rise within the family, leading to betrayals that send shivers down the spine.
As the story progresses, the festive atmosphere of the aristocracy becomes increasingly grim; orgies and celebrations intertwine with violence and despair, reflecting the brutality of the outside world. With the arrival of the Nazi forces, the family finds itself at a crossroads: to fight to maintain power or succumb to the imminent threat. This tragic story of faded opulence immerses us in the ethical dilemmas that arise when love, ambition, and fear collide amid an era of madness.