Content Warning: This section contains references to the murder of George Floyd and child abuse, as well as depictions of racism and antisemitism. In addition, the source text uses racist and antisemitic language, which is replicated in this guide only in direct quotes of the source material.

In March 2020, in upstate New York, at the house they dub the House on the Hill, the Senderovskys prepare for guests. The family is ready to host five guests as they isolate from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the length of the guests’ stay is unknown. Finishing touches and repairs are made to the five bungalows behind the house, where the guests will stay, as Sasha Senderovsky, a fast and careless driver, rushes out on errands. He needs both alcohol and meat for his guests arriving today. Running behind, he quickly drops the meat back at the house and rushes to the train station to pick up his friend from college, Ed Kim. Ed, who possesses three passports, comes from a wealthy family and spends much of his time traveling the world. Once Ed joins Senderovsky in the car, the two make one final trip to the store so Ed can cook for them before returning home, where Masha, Senderovsky’s wife, interrogates Ed about his recent travels and contacts.