Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life

Overview

Jakob enrolls at the peculiar Institute Benjamenta, run by the enigmatic siblings Johannes and Lisa. He joins a group of men learning the art of servitude through bizarre lessons in movement and drawing. Despite his requests for better accommodations, no new students arrive, and none find jobs. Johannes exudes a cold authority, while Lisa, initially composed, begins to unravel, hinting at deeper familial tensions. Jakob finds himself increasingly attracted to her, but as winter descends, Lisa's mental state deteriorates. Johannes blames Jakob for the turmoil, raising questions about the connection between their fates.