Stillwater

Bill Baker is laid off from his job at an oil rig in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He spends his days applying for part-time construction jobs and visits his ailing mother-in-law, Sharon, helping her around the house and helping her pass items to his daughter. He also visits his daughter, Allison, in prison, emphasizing his ongoing concern for her innocence concerning her murder charge.

After visiting his mother-in-law, Bill travels to Marseille, France, where he stays at a familiar hotel and encounters the local environment with some difficulty adjusting, such as the noisy music from next door. He makes multiple visits to the local prison to see his daughter and brings her a care package, showing his dedication to her.

Bill finally has a face-to-face visit with Allison, who is convicted of murdering her girlfriend Lina. She entrusts him with an important letter to her lawyer, emphasizing its significance, which Bill promises to deliver. This marks a pivotal moment in their relationship, highlighting his unwavering support.

Bill notices a young girl, Maya, seemingly locked out of her room and helps her. Virginie, a neighbor from the balcony, thanks Bill for helping her family and eventually translates Allison’s letter for him. She recognizes Bill and Allison's relationship from the letter, revealing her knowledge of their connection.

Bill seeks help from various lawyers and private investigators to uncover the truth about Allison's case. He eventually consults with a private detective, Dirosa, who explains the difficulty and cost involved in obtaining DNA evidence to identify the real perpetrator, highlighting Bill's determination to find the truth.

Bill follows a lead to a university and meets with a professor and a girl connected to the case, but language barriers and refusal from the professor hinder progress. He also attempts to gather information about Akim, the suspect, but faces resistance and hostility, illustrating the challenges he faces in seeking justice.

Bill's efforts lead to confrontations, including a violent fight with local youth and a heated argument with Virginie after her disapproval of his methods. These conflicts reflect his escalating desperation and the increasing tension in his pursuit of the truth.

Bill returns to prison and shows Allison a picture of Akim, whom she recognizes as her attacker. He confesses that he managed to find Akim himself since the legal help was unavailable, bringing a moment of hope but also tension as Allison reacts with frustration over how things unfolded.

Bill kidnaps Akim, traps him in the basement, and hires Dirosa to perform a DNA test to confirm his identity. Tensions increase as Bill keeps Akim detained, and Maya learns the truth, prompting a network of lies and moral conflicts, leading to the police discovering the basement and Bill’s actions.

Maya reveals her knowledge of the basement, and Bill’s actions are exposed, resulting in Virginie demanding he leave. Bill apologizes and says goodbye to Maya, understanding he’s lost her trust. He then returns to the hotel, realizing the damages caused by his obsessive pursuit of justice.

DNA evidence finally confirms Allison’s innocence, leading to her exoneration and release from prison. The town celebrates her freedom, and she admits she gave Akim the necklace to help Lina escape her situation, revealing her complex feelings and the tragic circumstances surrounding the case.

Bill and Allison share a heartfelt moment on the porch, reflecting on how their perceptions have changed and how everything now appears different to them. This signifies an emotional closure and a renewed understanding of their relationship and the events that transpired.