Night Raiders

In a dystopian 2044 North America, Niska and her eleven-year-old daughter Waseese struggle to survive in the woods under the Regime's watchful eye. Their improvised bus home is discovered by a drone, forcing them to abandon it and flee into the wilderness.

They travel by canoe toward a war-torn city, trying to stay unseen as they navigate ruined streets and checkpoints. Niska instructs Waseese to keep her face hidden from anyone they might meet.

Waseese befriends a boy, but Regime soldiers identify him as under eighteen and forcibly snatch him away. The incident underlines the regime’s reckless control and the constant danger lurking in the city.

They find shelter with Niska's old friend Roberta, who laments the scarce medicine available. Roberta suggests surrendering Waseese to the Regime so she can receive medical care and a comfortable life, revealing the brutal option many families face.

With Waseese's leg deteriorating, Niska makes the painful decision to surrender her daughter. Waseese is sent to a brutal military academy where children endure training and indoctrination.

Ten months later, Niska lives in a city apartment while Randy claims there is a way for them to become official Regime citizens and enjoy its benefits. The possibility highlights the regime's lure and the moral compromises Niska faces.

During a nighttime raid, Niska is captured by Cree raiders who have been secretly rescuing their kidnapped children from the academy. The Cree leader Ida speaks of a prophecy about a stranger from the north who would lead them to Bigstone, and Leo, a Maori-descendant operative, assists them.

During a Regime evacuation, Niska reunites with Randy and Roberta as they board the bus. A struggle erupts and Regime forces close in; Roberta is killed by her brainwashed son who has been turned into a soldier.

With Roberta dead, Niska convinces Ida and Leo to rescue Waseese in exchange for leading the Cree children to safety in the north.

Using the help of hacker Charlier, Niska and Leo infiltrate the academy and free Waseese along with several other captive children.

The Regime launches a siege on the Cree camp with soldiers and drones, but Waseese communes with the drones and gains their alliance, forcing the Regime to retreat.

During the fighting, a Regime soldier shoots at Waseese, and Niska shields her at the cost of her own life. Waseese is revealed as the prophesied Cree guardian who can lead the tribes toward Bigstone.