Dark Auction

West Germany, 1981. Eighteen-year-old Noah is haunted by the memory of his mother abandoning him at a very young age. He lives with his father Leonardo, a failed writer and eccentric obsessed with researching “Dictator X.” Though Noah wishes he would stop, Leonardo refuses to give up this strange pursuit, even as they struggle financially. One day, an invitation arrives for an auction selling items connected to “Dictator X.” Ignoring Noah’s protests, Leonardo sets off for the ancient castle where the auction is to be held, promising to tell Noah everything once he returns. But Leonardo never comes home. With no way to contact him, Noah heads to the castle himself—only to witness something shocking. Now trapped inside with the other guests, Noah is invited by the mysterious auctioneer to take part in the event himself.

The tale unfolds in an ancient castle in 1981, 36 years after Hitler's death. 18-year-old protagonist Noah is determined not to turn out like his father, but, beyond that, he has no idea of the kind of person he wants to be. Noah takes part in a mysterious auction held at the old castle, and, as someone living in the 1980s, comes to terms with the absurdity of the trauma the war left behind, learning of the truths hidden deep within those affected, ultimately closing in on the big secret his father has been concealing.