The film begins with a tense moment in a jeweler's shop, where the lead character, Hossein, attempts to carry out a robbery. With a gun in hand, he tries to coerce The Jeweler into surrendering the safe key. However, the jeweler stands his ground, triggering an alarm in the process. In a fit of desperation, Hossein shoots the jeweler and, after a painful moment of contemplation, ends his own life. This shocking opening sets the stage for an exploration of Hossein's troubled backstory.
Two days prior to this tragic event, we flash back to Hossein's life before the robbery. His friend and accomplice, Ali, rushes to inform him that all is set for Hossein's engagement to Ali's sister, referred to as "The Bride" in the credits. As they converse, Ali reveals his recent pickpocketing success, pulling out a handful of modest items from a purse, including a slip that indicates a potential score of 75 million tomans from a jeweler’s shop. Their conversation piques the interest of a con artist known as "The Man in the Tea House," who comments on the life of a thief, sharing the insight: > "If you want to arrest a thief, you’ll have to arrest the world." This statement resonates with Hossein, who is deeply affected by the con artist’s dismissive attitude towards him and Ali's clearly lower social standing. They attempt to visit the jeweler, but are turned away by The Jeweler himself.
As night falls, Hossein begins his job as a pizza delivery man. It's evident he struggles with psychological issues stemming from his war experiences. His first delivery takes him to a former comrade, who generously tips him. The next stop leads to a block party in a wealthy area of Tehran, where police are present. Although unable to make the delivery, Hossein offers slices of pizza to police, soldiers, and detained guests, only gaining acceptance after the police chief takes a piece.
The following morning, Hossein, Ali, and The Bride dress elegantly and manage to enter the jeweler's establishment. While in the shop, they admire luxurious jewelry far beyond their financial means, all the while waiting for their encounter with The Jeweler. When he finally appears, his patronizing demeanor is palpable as he recommends they pawn shop instead. Frustrated and offended by this treatment, Hossein takes The Bride home before returning to his own modest apartment, where he witnesses the police unfairly detaining an innocent man, further highlighting the disparity between the affluent and poor.
That evening, while on his delivery route, Hossein discovers the body of a fellow courier who has tragically died in an accident—a stark reminder of the dangers that come with their job. His next delivery is to The Rich Man, who resides in an affluent neighborhood. The stark contrast of lifestyles is further emphasized as Hossein is welcomed into The Rich Man's luxurious apartment and indulges in its lavish features, including a swim and a shave. Amidst the grandeur, Hossein, consumed by alcohol, steps out onto the balcony, taking in the sprawling city below.
In a poignant twist, we return to the jeweler's shop the next morning. This time, infused with anger and desperation, Hossein storms in with a gun, demanding the key to the safe amidst The Jeweler's defiance. This leads directly back to the harrowing opening scene, where the emotional and physical toll of Hossein's choices culminate tragically in his own demise.
