When Mathematical genius, Oxford University Professor, Dr. Arthur Seldom (John Hurt) becomes accidently involved in a serious of murders, he enlists the help of his favorite American graduate student Martin (Elijah Wood) to help him solve the mystery. Each murder seems to be tied together by a series of unexplainable mathematical symbols with no apparent connection to each other. Martin is convinced that all problems have a logical solution but with age and a rather cynical view of the world, Professor Seldom disagrees. The two bicker as they fight the clock before more murders take place. They come to realize the perhaps the answer seems to lie in a long kept secret none are eager to reveal.