The script is loosely chronological in its flow. It begins with darkness and the sound of chest beating which rises steadily and opens up to a visual of fervent matam on the tenth day setting the tone. It then slides into the beginning with the sighting of the moon which signals the start of the holy month and ending with the fervor, bustle, activity, processions, blood, color and a trance like state that lasts through the tenth day. It traces the origins of today’s practices through interviews and the use of paintings and animated maps as well as the spread of the Shia faith across the world through the centuries and looks at the geographical distribution of the faithful.