While attending a conference in Istanbul, a solitary and reclusive British scholar of narratology, Alithea Binnie, encounters something extraordinary in a local bazaar—a bottle containing a Djinn, an ancient and magical being. Upon accidentally freeing the Djinn, she finds herself granted three wishes. Skeptical of fairy tales and reluctant to use the wishes, Alithea and the Djinn engage in intellectual and philosophical conversations. As a being of immense age and wisdom, the Djinn offers stories of his past experiences and the nature of longing, hoping to convince Alithea to make a wish.

Through their discourse, a bond forms between the two, each intrigued by the vastly different perspectives they share. The Djinn's tales traverse times and lands, painting a rich tapestry of human desire and emotion, while revealing his own yearning for freedom. Alithea grapples with the weight of her potential choices, aware of the classic tales of wishes gone awry. As their interaction unfolds, the film delves into themes of love, storytelling, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting and historical city of Istanbul.