施瓦斯维德和埃格是两个表情古板却身藏绝技的魔术师。这一日，他们并排而坐，即将进行一场精彩的魔术表演。起初，二人彬彬有礼，举止优雅，经过一番退让，最终埃格先生首先站起来表演。他打开自己的天灵盖，里面竟是冷冰冰的搅拌装置，他将一条鱼扔进脑袋里，将铁把手插入耳朵开始搅拌。令人惊叹的表演引来施瓦斯维德和观众的热烈掌声。接下来，施瓦斯维德先生起身表演。他将帽子放在一根钢丝上，随即拉起小提琴，伴随着音乐帽子里跳出各种小零件，组合成小丑、猴子、驴等形象，精妙绝伦。施瓦斯维德的表演同样赢得掌声。
两位艺术家交替登台，但是嫉妒和憎恨似乎也在他们心间滋生……

Jan Švankmajer at 85 years of age is one of the most prominent artists of European cinema. His work has inspired and guided generations of directors, and his work represents a sharp and merciless exploration of human nature which is entirely unique. When Švankmajer decided to stop filming after Insect (2018), his producer suggested that the creative processes which ferment within their film company Athanor should be preserved on film.
Over three years, the directors followed the life of Jan Švankmajer, elucidating his artistic principles, as well as his collaboration with old friend and producer Jaromír Kallista. The film is also haunted by the memory of Eva Švankmajerová, his wife and creative partner, muse and inseparable other half. Alchemical Furnace is shot on various film formats in combination with found footage. Playful and poetic, candid and with a touch of Czech humour, it is an ode to creation and to companionship.