Werckmeister Harmonies

In a stark winter setting, János Valuska, a young newspaper delivery man, captivates a rowdy crowd of drunken patrons. He performs a dramatic act about a total eclipse of the sun, which momentarily disrupts the animals of the town, culminating in a powerful return of sunlight that brings brief warmth to the bleak surroundings.

János shares a special bond with György Eszter, his uncle, who assumes a paternal role in his life. György, a thoughtful composer and musicologist, passionately documents his musings on the flaws of the musical scale, drawing upon Werckmeister's theories to suggest more organic ways to harmonize music.

During a routine visit to the post office to collect his newspapers, János overhears the worried employees discussing the looming arrival of a traveling circus. They express their fears that the circus's presence often stirs up tension and unrest within the community, foreshadowing the chaos to come.

That night, the peculiar circus arrives in the town, introducing a massive, lifelike stuffed whale and a mysterious star performer known only as 'The Prince.' János watches the surreal happenings unfold, contemplating deep philosophical questions about existence as the townspeople become increasingly captivated and agitated.

György's estranged wife, Tünde, aggressively manipulates her social status to convince him to lead the 'Clean Up the Town' movement. She threatens to move back in with him if he refuses, sending her suitcase ahead with János as a messenger, further complicating the already strained family dynamics.

György's brother, Uncle Lajos, takes it upon himself to communicate Tünde’s demands to a growingly agitated crowd in the town square. His efforts inflame their anger over declining public services, setting the stage for the mounting unrest among the townsfolk.

As János experiences the oppressive atmosphere tightening around him, he encounters a thug outside the circus, heightening his sense of danger. Meanwhile, Tünde is seen forging a troubling alliance with the intoxicated police chief, further entwining her fate with the town's turmoil.

The circus's arrival, especially the spectacle of the whale and 'The Prince,' ignites a chaotic riot among the townsfolk. János overhears the panicked circus master struggling to manage the mute Prince, who conveys rebellious ideas through a translator, escalating the crowd’s fervor and sense of mob mentality.

Amid the riots, the frenzied crowd breaks into a local hospital, where they brutally attack defenseless patients. The violence halts only when the crowd is confronted by a haunting reminder of their despair—the sight of an old, vulnerable man, forcing them to reckon with the consequences of their actions.

After the chaos subsides, János finds a diary belonging to one of the rioters, revealing their confusion and unresolved anger towards the bleak reality of their lives. The diary includes tragic accounts of the horrors faced by two young women, deepening the sense of despair pervading the town.

János witnesses a secretive encounter between Tünde and a military official, culminating in their departure in a military vehicle along with armed forces. This shocking display highlights Tünde's alignment with authority and her betrayal of György.

János learns of the tragic death of Uncle Lajos amidst the chaos of the riots. He receives a warning from Lajos's wife to flee for his life, affirming his new status as a target in the town’s growing conflict, forced to navigate a perilous situation.

In a shocking twist, János escapes towards the railway tracks but is suddenly snatched up by a helicopter. This unexpected turn leads him into the confines of a mental institution, symbolizing the oppressive nature of the political climate during this period.

During a visit to the mental institution, György attempts to communicate the remnants of the chaos with János. However, János remains unresponsive, staring blankly into the void, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of their harrowing experiences.

The film concludes with György silently walking through the desolate town square, reflecting on the haunting presence of the abandoned whale. As he gazes back at the remnants of the circus shrouded in fog, it serves as a poignant symbol of lost hope and the overwhelming sorrow enveloping their lives.