Behind the public face of European politics and the Church, a powerful elite society, led by a figure known only as the Master, quietly pulls the strings. As those who stumble on its workings – among them a priest, Father Vitus, and figures within the Church hierarchy – begin to peel back the layers, the organisation proves far more adaptable and dangerous than it first appeared. Writer-director David Balda's thriller uses the conspiracy to ask how much of what people choose is truly their own, and who holds authority over them. Reaction, largely from German-language critics, was mixed. Admirers praised a visually striking, atmospheric film in which every frame is carefully composed, with rich colours and accomplished camerawork, and singled out Heino Ferch's central performance; some found the story gripping. Others felt it overlong and slow, with thin characters and plot holes, and at least one reviewer found it so lethargic as to be soporific. Handsome to look at, but divisive as drama.

David Balda also wrote, produced and photographed the film.