Arthur Kristel

King Olaf of Haland is an albino who lives in a gloomy castle. Abraham Mogèn, an alchemist, wants to aid the king. But on his way to the castle he is murdered by the highwayman Wogram and his servant Onorg. Wogram disguises himself as the alchemist and wins the favor of the king.

When Jesus looks into the eyes of Magdalena, she thinks her fate is to become a nun. Until an angel tells her what God really wants: she must give birth to 13 children each of whom have to be born on the 13th of the month. So Magdalena sets to work.

The documentary explores Louis Couperus through his novels, short stories and letters. His childhood in the Dutch East Indies and his later perspective on colonial society shaped his writing, as did his experience of alienation and never fully belonging anywhere. In works such as The Silent Force (De stille kracht) and The Mountain of Light (De berg van licht), he explored power, masculinity and forbidden feelings without revealing too much of himself. Why does his personal life remain so controversial? The film sheds new light on Couperus and his times.