In the late 1930s, Czech crematorium worker Karel Kopfrkingl finds solace in his job and the Tibetan book of the dead, believing cremation brings relief from earthly suffering. At a reception, he reunites with Reineke, a fellow veteran of World War I, who persuades Kopfrkingl to highlight his supposed German heritage, including enrolling his shy son in a German school. Reineke also insinuates that Kopfrkingl's half-Jewish wife is hindering his career advancement.

The Cremator
In a dark and troubled era of World War II, a disturbed cremator embarks on a warped crusade to alleviate humanity's suffering by incinerating the world on a massive scale in Central Europe, amidst the chaos and devastation of war.