Pretty soon, she finds herself with an ancient Djinn (Elba) and three wishes on her hands. But the sensible scholar of story and mythology is all too wise to the dangers of the possibilities before her.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists

TTYOL_09105_R Tilda Swinton stars as Alithea Binnie and Idris Elba as The Djinn in director George Miller’s film THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Inc. © 2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved

“There is no story about wishing that is not a cautionary tale,” Swinton says as Alithea Binnie.

The Djinn’s response? “We all have desires, even if they remain hidden from us. But it is your story, and I cannot wait to see where it goes,” an ancient, supernatural Idris as the Djinn bellows.

“Or wear it might end?” Binnie retorts.

TTYOL_09105_R Tilda Swinton stars as Alithea Binnie and Idris Elba as The Djinn in director George Miller’s film THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Inc. © 2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved

Binnie, who thinks she can outsmart the Djinn with her knowledge of myth and legends, probes the genie to tell her more about those he has granted wishes to in his many lifetimes. But eventually, the sober intellectual is beguiled and makes a wish that surprises them both as the time-hopping duo develops unexpected feelings for one another.

Three Thousand Years of Longinghits theaters Aug. 31.

source: people.com