In a dazzling and decadent world of ancient Rome, two friends, Encolpio and Ascilto, embark on a frantic odyssey between opulence and misery. Following a series of misadventures that include a failed romance and encounters with an array of extravagant characters, such as a dark and enigmatic emperor and a group of hedonists, the journey of the two friends becomes a path toward self-destruction.
As they are half-dragged by their desire for pleasure, the protagonists find themselves engulfed in a sea of eccentric parties, acts of violence, and surreal scenarios that defy logic. The film explores the ephemeral nature of life and desire, reflecting the absurdity of existence through a series of vivid vignettes that showcase both the glamour and brutality of Roman society.
With a unique visual style that includes a saturated color palette and a nonlinear narrative, the plot flows between satire and tragedy, capturing the essence of a world in crisis. Relationships crumble and values blur, highlighting the fragility of friendship amidst a chaotic environment. As Encolpio and Ascilto sink deeper into this maelstrom of excess, the viewer witnesses a plea for the incessant quest for meaning in a world of fleeting pleasures and unsettling realities.