In 1981, Phil Collins initiated his solo-career with the single "In the Air tonight." In its course, the former drummer from Genesis transformed his image. From the working-class jokester, he advanced to be a world star of respectable format enjoying the amenities of High Society thoroughly. Meanwhile, the cryptic lyrics to the song sparked an urban legend, of which the film takes the opportunity to re-narrate an own version. In an atmospheric compilation of 80s film-footage and the rhythms of the song, the film drives towards the climax of the curious tale. As catchy as its drum solo, IN THE AIR TONIGHT tells of an inner alienation in times of unleashed neoliberalism.