Based on a true story, it tells how a teacher named Jakob Seel is arrested and thrown into a Soviet prison in 1938.

The film also stars Christopher Elliott, Sal Rendino, Quentin McCuiston, Sean Patrick Folster, Matthew R. Staley, Chloe Roe, and Ken Jennings.

Jakob Seel (Jeff Stewart) struggles with his growing sense of worthlessness after he is dismissed from his position as a teacher in a Soviet village.

As he rehearses the men, he gains their respect, especially that of the embittered prison bully, Bruno (Sal Rendino).

[2] During the 18th century, Seel's German-speaking ancestors were among those invited by Catherine the Great (and her son Paul and grandson Alexander who ruled after her) to settle the Russian territories.