The Living Wake

K. Roth Binew receives the shocking diagnosis of a rare terminal illness that propels him into an existential journey. Faced with his own mortality, he resolves to confront this challenge head-on, determined to find meaning in the time that remains.

Haunted by a monologue from his father that has lingered throughout his life, K. Roth embarks on a quest to uncover the wisdom he believes his father failed to provide. This search leads him into a maze of self-discovery and revelations about love and existence.

K. Roth invites his adversary and neighbor, Reginald, to join him in a celebration that contemplates both life and death. This event sets the stage for a series of unpredictable and poignant experiences for the group.

Roth and his companion Mills scheme to organize a funeral that is both morbid and grandiose, highlighting their unconventional approach to facing death. The duo's plans twist into absurdity as they seek fleeting joys and strange rituals, including a goat sacrifice.

K. Roth attempts to revive a previous romantic relationship with Marla, his former nanny, during a picnic that he hopes will reignite their connection. However, their meeting leads to disappointment, yet K. Roth remains undeterred in his pursuit of understanding love.

K. Roth embarks on a series of misadventures that include interactions with a prostitute and a visit to a psychic. These colorful encounters further reflect his quest for the elusive answer to life’s mysteries amid his escalating despair.

As the specter of his impending death looms, K. Roth finds solace in a reunion with his family at a nearby church. Initially hesitant, his mother and brother Karl warm to his plea for reconciliation, paving a path for healing amidst heartbreak.

As K. Roth and Mills prepare for their farewell gathering, they cherish the moments they have left. Surrounded by friends and family, they hold onto the memories while reflecting on the life's enigmas that now linger in the air.

During the mournful atmosphere of the wake, K. Roth captivates his audience with a dance juxtaposed against Mills' haunting melody. The mourners engage with the poignant performance, momentarily lifting the heavy mood of grief.

An emotional confrontation occurs when the ghostly figure of K. Roth's father, Lampert Binew, appears, prompting discussions about abandonment. This revelation leads K. Roth to understand that his father did not desert him but died without imparting vital guidance.

Embracing the truth of his mortality, K. Roth experiences an awakening, acknowledging his fears and insecurities. As he deliberates on the essence of existence, he realizes that life is about living fully rather than getting lost in ideologies.

The wake reaches its zenith with K. Roth concluding the gathering with a triumphant song and dance. However, as the performance ends, he collapses into an upright coffin, marking the poignant climax of his bittersweet journey.

As the credits roll, the mourners give their final respects while witnessing the end of K. Roth’s journey. Mills sets fire to K. Roth's lifeless form, symbolizing his departure and emphasizing the themes of mortality and the enduring spirit.