He leads an uneventful life – eating Shreddies, working in a DIY store, and staying close to his father Brian (Sir Michael Palin). One day, Brian shares a strange old recipe involving alchemy, rainwater and horse manure, promising the means to create Homunculi: magical spirits capable of foretelling the future. With help from co‑worker Kacey (Lauren Patel), Michael ventures into this supernatural experiment, despite scepticism from store manager Gordon (Crook) and meddling neighbours. As secrets unravel, Michael wonders whether the future might finally answer: Will Clea return?