GUSTAV OLIFANZ, A CONTROVERSIAL AMERICAN SILENT FILM DIRECTOR, tries to convince his studio's executives to adopt emerging sound technology in order to secure a place in cinematic history. His attempt is unsuccessful, and both his career and his life come to a premature end after the release of his last and most outrageous movie, Cultus Maximus, a film that attacks America's moral foundation. After Olifanz's death, rumors surface about the existence of an evil group referring to themselves as the Cultus Maximus, a cult that reportedly stages deadly public displays of violence to honor this wrongfully treated film icon. Lack of definitive proof and ambivalence from law enforcement relegates them to urban legend status for the next six decades. But in 2010 they are recognized as a threat to national security.
Understanding the work of this cult, Paul Essan agrees to cooperate with the American government in the interest of national security. As part of this agreement, he adds Grace Auzaray, a new young American operative, to his covert team. The group's recent violent episodes indicate a significant event is being planned in either San Francisco or Los Angeles, so Paul and Grace must stop this group's diabolical actions before they put thousands of lives in danger.