In 1930s Berlin, a group of left-leaning friends struggle to understand the world around them as Hitler rises to power. However, while they claim to have lofty ideals, they do not partake in active resistance against Hitler. The main character, Agnes, is mainly concerned about keeping her rent-controlled apartment. Meanwhile, these events are contrasted with a parallel presentation of events in America in the 1980s by a modern day activist, Zillah, who insists on taking action to fight repression and authoritarianism.
