The year is 1789. It is the edge of the French Revolution, and a young Madame Tussaud is recalled from her post at the Palace of Versailles back to Dr. Curtius' Wax Salon in the heart of Paris. There she is introduced to the most influential persons in Paris, including Maximilien Robespierre, who takes a particular interest in her art. As the revolution descends into shadow, Marie is forced to confront the remains of those she has befriended, whose waxen images must be set with signs that identify them as 'patriots' or 'enemies'.
