Sebastian Zöllner, a confident yet brash young writer, embarks on a journey to the picturesque Swiss Alps with the intention of interviewing the reclusive Manuel Kaminski, a revered figure in the 20th-century art scene who, due to his blindness, has distanced himself from society. Zöllner, perceiving an opportunity, aims to craft a biography that will be ready to publish immediately after Kaminski's passing.
The artist is under the protective watch of his cautious daughter, Miriam Kaminski, who insists on being present during any discussions. Accompanied by a somewhat dim-witted housekeeper, she singularly distrusts Zöllner’s intentions. Seizing the moment when Miriam exits, Zöllner employs a bribe to send the housekeeper away, allowing him to delve into Kaminski's life. To his astonishment, he discovers a treasure trove of letters from illustrious friends such as Matisse and Picasso tucked away in Kaminski’s desk, which he greedily pockets. Further explorations lead him to a hidden basement studio filled with impressive self-portraits, including two he decides to roll up and keep.
Determined to have an intimate interaction with Kaminski away from his daughter’s watchful eye, Zöllner concocts a tale claiming that Kaminski’s lost love, Therese, who was thought to be deceased, is actually alive and residing nearby. Intrigued, Kaminski admits him into trusting him with the keys to his beloved Jaguar, and the two set off on what promises to be an unforgettable excursion. However, their joy is cut short when their car is stolen at a gas station, with the precious paintings Zöllner had filched hidden within.
Undeterred, the duo continues their journey by taxi and arrives at a rundown hotel. With Miriam temporarily out of the picture, Kaminski revels in his newfound freedom, ordering an extravagant meal and hiring a prostitute. The excitement peaks when they finally visit the home of Therese. Yet, to Zöllner's dismay, the conversation revolves around mundane topics like grandchildren and television shows. It becomes apparent that Therese has been in communication with another writer who is already readying a biography of Kaminski for publication.
As they leave, Zöllner spots Miriam waiting outside in the recovered Jaguar, and as she ushers her father back into the vehicle, Zöllner seizes a brief moment to bid Kaminski a private farewell. The next moment, Zöllner accelerates away with Kaminski, longing for the freedom the beach represents. Once at the seaside, the two playfully wade in the surf, enjoying their time together. Later, stretched out on the beach and after signing the canvases Zöllner had swiped, Kaminski subtly suggests that perhaps it's time for the young writer to abandon his obsession and allow him the solitude he craves.
Respecting the implied wish, Zöllner, with a newfound clarity, tosses his notes, tapes, and camera into the ocean, after which he vanishes with the stolen canvases over the sand dunes, leaving Kaminski alone. In a poignant moment, the aging artist transforms into one of his own self-portraits, symbolizing the profound connection between his creative spirit and solitude.
