Maziar Bahari, a London-based journalist, travels to Iran to cover the contentious 2009 presidential election. While documenting the unrest and protests against the election results, Bahari appears on a satirical news show that draws the attention of Iranian authorities. Shortly thereafter, he is arrested by the Revolutionary Guard and accused of being a spy for the West. Bahari is blindfolded and taken to Evin Prison where he is subjected to brutal interrogations by an anonymous captor who smells of rosewater. The captor tries to extract a false confession from Bahari, leveraging his participation in the satirical show as evidence against him.

During his prolonged detention, Bahari experiences physical and psychological torture aimed at breaking his spirit. He draws strength from memories of his family and imagines conversations with his late father and sister, both of whom were political prisoners in their times. As international pressure mounts for his release, Bahari remains resilient, finding small ways to resist his captors' attempts to dehumanize him. The story highlights his enduring fight for freedom and justice, symbolizing the broader struggle for human rights and free expression in oppressive regimes.