Mort Rifkin, a seasoned film critic hailing from New York with a keen perspective on cinematic artistry, finds himself laying bare his emotional struggles to his therapist. As he recounts the tumultuous chapters of his life, he reflects on a formative experience at the prestigious San Sebastián film festival, where he accompanied his much younger wife, Sue. Sue, a dedicated press agent for the acclaimed French director Philippe, played a crucial role in promoting his latest film. However, Mort's contempt for the film, which he viewed as derivative and overly sentimental, further strained their already fragile relationship.
As Mort wrestles with his emotions, he becomes increasingly fixated on the undeniable chemistry blossoming between Sue and Philippe, a connection that poses a dire threat to their marriage. This inner conflict manifests through a series of haunting nightmares, inspired by cinematic masterpieces such as Citizen Kane, Breathless, Jules and Jim, A Man and a Woman, Persona, Wild Strawberries, The Exterminating Angel, and 8½.
Throughout the festival, Mort is engulfed in nostalgia, revisiting memories of his days as a film instructor, when he once felt intellectually fulfilled. Yet, this sense of reminiscence becomes tainted as he realizes that Sue is drifting away, increasingly enamored with Philippe.
In a desperate bid to rekindle her interest, Mort fabricates various ailments to secure a medical consultation with the enigmatic Dr. Jo Rojas, a Spanish physician who has spent time in New York. Here, he discovers a kindred spirit, as Jo's own marriage to a volatile artist is shadowed by infidelity and emotional upheaval.
As their connection deepens, Mort and Jo embark on a picturesque drive through the countryside, their conversation flowing seamlessly like the scenic views. However, their bliss is abruptly interrupted by a flat tire, leading them to take refuge at Jo's home, where she unexpectedly finds her husband in a compromising position with one of his models.
This shocking encounter leaves Jo distraught, prompting Mort to step in and offer solace. Eventually, Sue confronts Mort about their deteriorating relationship and expresses her intention to leave him for Philippe. The following morning, heartbroken and forlorn, Mort reaches out to Jo, trying to capture her attention before his imminent departure from San Sebastián. While she declines his offer, there lingers a sense of unresolved affection for the aging critic, entwined with her doubts regarding her own troubled marriage.
As the film festival draws to a close, Mort embarks on a surreal journey to an otherworldly chessboard, where he faces none other than Death. In a surreal homage to Ingmar Bergman's 1957 classic The Seventh Seal, Mort encounters a thought-provoking confrontation that compels him to ponder the intricacies of mortality. Death divulges profound insights, stressing that even though human existence is transitory, it can still be rich with purpose and significance. With a touch of humor, Death imparts unconventional wisdom on Mort, encouraging him to embrace healthier choices—favoring wholesome food and physical activities over junk food.
As the last days of the festival wane, Mort is left to grapple with the ramifications of this extraordinary encounter, considering a transformative shift in his outlook that could lead him back to teaching with a rejuvenated appreciation for the arts. Back in New York, he seeks further guidance from his therapist, yearning for clarity on how to navigate the complexities of his life and discover the means to extend his journey in the realm of the living.
