John Kelso (John Cusack) has traveled to Savannah, Georgia to write an article on the infamous Jim Williams (Kevin Spacey) and the grandiose Christmas parties he is known for. An eccentric, yet secretive art dealer, Jim takes an immediate liking to John and decides to guide him around his party and introduce him to the people attending. Unexpectedly, John meets Jim's violent lover, Billy (Jude Law), during an explosive scene in Jim's house. Although Jim tries to play it off as a minor incident, it marks the start of a very mysterious chain of events. When Billy is later found dead, Kelso decides to stay in Savannah and attempt to solve the mystery behind the murder.