Set in the striking and varied landscapes of contemporary Spain (both urban and otherwise), shot by acclaimed cinematography Christopher Doyle, and featuring music by cult Japanese psychedelic metal band Boris, The Limits of Control is the story of a mysterious loner (played by Isaach De Bankolé) whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives remain a mystery until the very end of the film. His journey, paradoxically both intently focused and dreamlike, takes him not only across Spain but also through his own consciousness.

In addition to De Bankolé, The Limits of Control also features several other actors with whom Jim Jarmusch has previously worked, including Alex Descas, John Hurt, Youki Kudoh, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton; and actors new to his films, including Hiam Abbass, Gael García Bernal, Paz De La Huerta, Jean-François Stévenin, and Luis Tosar.