In a mysterious, darkened old house, philosophy graduate Joseph Geist starts a new career as a 'conversationalist'. He has been employed to spend a few hours a week making intelligent conversation with elderly Alma Spielmann after answering a bizarre advert in the newspaper.
Things go well. So well that Alma invites Joseph to move in with her. He is thrilled - after splitting up with his girlfriend, he desperately needs somewhere to stay. And despite the house's unsettling atmosphere, it starts to feel like home.
But then Alma's nephew Eric appears on the scene. Eric is a handsome, manipulative drifter, and the apple of his aunt's eye; Joseph takes and instant dislike to him. However, he couldn't possibly predict what a devastating effect Eric and his aunt will have to rest of his life...