The Best Offer

Virgil Oldman, the managing director of a prestigious auction house, showcases his exceptional skills during auction events. His meticulous attention to detail and polished performances captivate the audience, masking his personal struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Virgil's life changes when he is approached by Claire Ibbetson, a young heiress burdened by agoraphobia. Trusting Virgil due to their shared discomfort with intimacy, she invites him into her life while confined to her safe room filled with inherited art and antiques.

As Virgil and Claire collaborate, his fascination with her deepens. This growing obsession reveals Virgil's struggle with intimacy and brings to light his eccentricities, causing him to spiral further into his compulsive tendencies.

Enter Robert, a skilled artisan who specializes in restoring mechanical devices. He assists Virgil in solving the mystery behind mechanical gears discovered on Claire's estate, which may be linked to a valuable automaton.

The automaton's origins pique Virgil's curiosity, with Robert suggesting it could have hidden elements, including a dwarf. As Virgil investigates, he becomes increasingly obsessed with unraveling the automaton's secrets and its connection to Claire.

Under the weight of his own insecurities, Virgil begins orchestrating a deception, presenting authentic artworks as copies. This manipulation points to a darker side of his character and threatens to unravel his esteemed reputation.

Billy Whistler, Virgil's accomplice, inadvertently supports his deceptive schemes by undervaluing bids. Their partnership highlights the lengths to which Virgil will go to maintain his facade, even as he risks everything he stands for.

A late bidding maneuver for a supposedly worthless piece leads to a shocking revelation when Virgil discovers that it is an original valued at £8 million. This discovery exacerbates his moral conflict and tests his relationships.

After Virgil is violently confronted by a gang, Claire surprises everyone by stepping outside to rescue him. This brave act signifies her growth and deepens the bond between the two as they navigate their complex feelings.

In a climactic moment of honesty, Virgil reveals his lifetime collection of art to Claire. Touched by his gesture, Claire expresses her love, leading to an emotional moment that solidifies their connection and showcases Virgil’s vulnerability.

In the lead-up to a major auction in London, Virgil receives a parting gift from Billy, reminding him of his potential as an artist. This moment reflects the complexities of their friendship amid Virgil's struggles with self-worth.

Upon returning home after the auction, Virgil finds that Claire and his collection have vanished, leaving him with the automaton. This moment marks a pivotal shift in his life, as he confronts the consequences of his actions.

Overwhelmed by guilt and loss, Virgil travels to Prague in search of closure. His pilgrimage symbolizes an attempt to make sense of his tumultuous emotions and the remnants of his past with Claire.

In a restaurant significant to Claire, Virgil grapples with his feelings as the waiter’s question about his companion prompts introspection. The ambiance, filled with the rhythmic ticking of clocks, amplifies his longing for resolution.

As he settles into his surroundings, Virgil grapples with an existential crisis, overshadowed by memories of Claire and the weight of his choices. The complexities of love, regret, and art crystallize in this poignant moment of self-discovery.