Fourteen-year-old Ivan, survivor of a nuclear war, spends his days combing garbage dumps for sustenance and treasure. When one day he unearths a revolting but magical talisman, he is transported to an enchanted cave, inhabited by the spirits of three great Russian writers: Lev, Fyodor and Dostoyevsky. They promise to grant him three wishes - but first he must pass through three trials.

If Ivan can get through each of these trials, the spirits promise him, his old life will be restored... he will be with his family once more.