The reception for Finland's Independence Day is rudely interrupted when the presidential palace is attacked and the state leadership is taken hostage. Max Tanner of the Security Police is appointed as a negotiator in the hostage crisis, that unfolds as part of a bigger plan to undermine European security.

The piece is a portrait of a narcissist. His boss and colleagues admire him and his ex-wife, mistress and girlfriend tell their view of him. The film consists of monologues performed in the form of tableau vivants that refer to art historical compositions. A possible crime story is built up by the testimonies of the people around the man.