In the dark and gothic world of 19th-century Edinburgh, a renowned doctor becomes obsessed with the advancement of medicine, pushing his ambition beyond morally acceptable limits. When a group of medical students needs corpses for their studies, the doctor partners with a couple of criminals willing to do whatever it takes to acquire the bodies they desire. The story revolves around the infamous killers William Burke and William Hare, who, in their desperate quest to generate income, decide to dispose of vulnerable individuals to meet the growing demand of science.
With a grim and atmospheric setting, the narrative focuses on the sinister relationship between the doctor and his accomplices, gradually revealing the horrors behind their gruesome enterprise. As the cycle of murders escalates, police attention begins to turn toward them, leading to the inevitable confrontation between the law and morality. The film blends suspense, horror, and a hint of social critique as it explores the thin line between science and ethics, leaving the viewer with an unsettling reflection on the limits of human ambition. With striking performances and a captivating aesthetic, this chilling tale will ensnare lovers of classic horror cinema and those who enjoy stories based on real events that left a mark on history.