A recent tragedy has struck a small town, following a catastrophic accident in a local coal mine that resulted in the death of many workers. The only survivor, Amos, finds himself conflicted, as he must choose between safeguarding his deceased colleagues' memories or confiding in a union attorney about the disaster's circumstances. Living alone with his elderly father, Basil, whom he cares for, Amos navigates this emotional upheaval while grappling with the weight of his responsibility.
In another part of town, Owen, a local boy from a modest background, wrangles with his role as the caretaker of his younger brother, James, who has Down syndrome. Owen faces relentless bullying from JT, the affluent son of a mining executive, who demonstrates his privilege by mercilessly mocking James, branding him a "retard." In a fit of anger and desperation, Owen reveals a damning truth about JT's father, Bill—the man whose negligence led to the mine's fatal collapse. The tension escalates when JT expresses his frustration with the town, accusing them of "fucking milking it!" regarding the tragedy. In an act of self-defense, Owen throws a pebble at JT, which results in a tragic accident; JT trips, striking his head against a large boulder. The chilling reality sets in as Owen and James, plagued by horror, hastily conceal JT's seemingly lifeless body in the nearby woods.
Amidst this turmoil, Diane, JT's mother, grapples with the emotional fallout of her son's mysterious disappearance. The community offers her scant sympathy, largely due to past derogatory comments made by the wealthy family about the townspeople's socioeconomic status. As Bill spirals into guilt and withdraws from social interactions, Diane finds an unexpected connection with Amos, transcending their class differences and igniting a forbidden romance. Meanwhile, James, haunted by the grim event, struggles with his inability to articulate his trauma to his family due to his disability.
As time passes, the emotional toll on Amos becomes apparent, especially after the death of his father, Basil, in his sleep, leaving Amos isolated and without familial support. The townspeople react in various ways: some cling to faith, while others suffer through a crisis, struggling to maintain their beliefs in the face of their harrowing reality.
Eventually, the truth about JT's fate surfaces when Owen, burdened by sleepless nights and haunting dreams, confesses the events that transpired in the forest. The film concludes with ambiguity surrounding Owen's legal future, prompting viewers to ponder the nuances of self-defense and moral responsibility. A somber search party combs through the woods, culminating in a heart-wrenching scene as Bill and Diane discover their son's abandoned corpse, collapsing into each other’s arms, overwhelmed by grief and regret.
