Literature PhD Alithea Binnie (Tilda Swinton) seems happy with her life even though she faces the world with some skepticism. Suddenly, she meets a genie (Idris Elba) who offers to grant her three wishes in exchange for her freedom. At first, Alithea refuses to accept the offer as she knows that all tales of granting wishes end badly. The genie defends her position by telling her various fantastic stories from her past. Finally, she allows herself to be persuaded and will make a wish that will surprise both of them.