Sir Ian McKellen and Brad Renfro star in this disturbing psychological thriller that addresses the question of evil and its power to corrupt. Todd Bowden (Renfro) is a typical, bright 16 year-old high school student who develops a fascination with the atrocities of Nazi Germany when it becomes the topic of study in his history class. Todd's interest takes a dangerous turn when he meets Arthur Denker (McKellen), an aging man and former Nazi SS officer who has successfully been living without suspicion in Todd's hometown. In exchange for his silence, Dussander must reveal dark secrets, which have remained buried, perhaps wisely, for decades. As the boy and the old man begin a mutually dangerous game of psychological warfare, things quickly spiral out of control and threaten to come to a violent and tragic end.