Ed Saxberger, once an obscure poet who published a single volume of urgent, angry verse in the late 1970s, finds his quiet, blue-collar life in downtown Manhattan unexpectedly disrupted decades later. After shelving his literary ambitions and taking a job at the New York postal service, Saxberger’s routine is upended when a young admirer named Meyers arrives, proclaiming him a forgotten genius.

Meyers, fresh-faced and earnest, introduces Saxberger to the Enthusiasm Society, a group of young artists committed to revitalizing the concept of enthusiasm in contemporary culture. Meeting regularly in a local bar, the group dedicates itself to various artistic pursuits, discussing ways to make an impact on New York’s creative scene. Saxberger quickly assumes a celebrated role among them, occupying a space between respected elder and symbolic mascot, as he begins to absorb the admiration of this energetic, albeit privileged, circle.

The film’s narrative explores Saxberger’s complex relationship with the Society and its members, many of whom rely on family wealth to sustain their bohemian lifestyles, casting doubt on the authenticity of their artistic dedication. Central to this dynamic is Gloria, a flamboyant actor who drifts around the group’s periphery. Portrayed with a nod to Weimar-era decadence reminiscent of Sally Bowles, Gloria captivates Saxberger and further pulls him into this world.

Directed by Kent Jones, known for his previous documentary work and theatrical dramas, and scripted by Samy Burch, the film is a polished adaptation of a late-19th-century Vienna-set novella by Arthur Schnitzler. While retaining the source’s thematic core, the story is firmly transplanted into contemporary New York, reflecting on the city’s evolution. Once a gritty, affordable haven for emerging artists—where Saxberger, Dafoe, and Jones themselves began their careers—the city has transformed. Rising property prices have displaced many artists, eroding the cultural vibrancy that once defined neighborhoods with affordable lofts and creative communities.

Jones’ direction highlights this cultural shift through literary references, a soundtrack featuring Lou Reed’s “Coney Island Baby,” and the juxtaposition of grainy black-and-white footage with modern, polished visuals, creating layers of historical and artistic resonance. The film delves into themes of authenticity and self-delusion, centering on Saxberger’s internal struggle. Unlike the typical narrative of enlightenment, Saxberger, who has firsthand experience of artistic struggle, becomes increasingly resistant to confronting the superficiality surrounding him.

The story ultimately poses difficult questions about the nature of artistic legacy and the human tendency to embrace comforting illusions. Saxberger’s refusal to acknowledge the pretense around him speaks to a deeper discomfort with facing the true state of his own creative past in a city whose artistic soul he once knew intimately.