In 1929 Australia, a rancher and former soldier grappling with PTSD, Harry March rides up to the porch of Preacher Fred Smith to seek his assistance in constructing a track yard for his cattle. Despite Fred's initial reluctance due to a planned trip to town, Harry, an outspoken atheist, persuades him by emphasizing that helping would embody the Christian spirit. Fred then consults his aboriginal partner, Sam Kelly, who quickly agrees to lend a hand.
As Sam and his family arrive at Harry's ranch, it becomes apparent that Harry is battling a severe drinking issue and is becoming increasingly hostile. During a drunken episode, he violently assaults Sam's wife, Lizzie, threatening her life while committing his heinous act. Terrified for her family's safety, Sam and his loved ones return to Fred's home, requesting that he takes their niece, Lucy, with him to town to protect her in case Harry returns.
In the meantime, Harry befriends nearby rancher Mick Kennedy and enlists him to help with aboriginal farmhands. Mick reveals his disdain for Sam, recalling how the latter had once stood up to him after being mistreated, which exacerbates Harry's distrust of Sam. When Harry sees young farmhand Philomac rummaging through his belongings, he wrongly assumes a theft and punishes him by chaining him to a boulder. Luckily, Philomac manages to escape and seeks refuge at Fred's place.
Harry soon tracks Philomac back to Fred's ranch, leading to a tense confrontation. Accusing Sam of protecting a "prisoner," Harry insists on searching the house, provoking a volatile reaction from Sam. This leads to a life-or-death struggle where Sam shoots Harry in the throat, resulting in Harry's painful demise in the dirt. The ensuing chaos forces Sam and Lizzie to flee again, while Philomac seizes the moment to steal Harry's valuables.
When Sergeant Fletcher learns of Harry's death, he gathers a posse, including Mick and his loyal right-hand man, Archie, intending to capture Sam. Sam and Lizzie flee further into the outback, but Lizzie's health declines as she grapples with the trauma of her recent violation. As the posse attempts to track them down, they encounter hostile tribes, and tensions reach a boiling point with Fletcher's aggressive behavior towards his men.
Amidst the pursuit, Lizzie discovers she is pregnant with Harry's child, complicating their plans for escape. Sam displays mercy, offering Fletcher a skin of water when he collapses in the desert. The complex emotional landscape deepens when Lizzie and Sam argue, revealing cracks in their relationship over their survival strategies.
Despite the growing desperation, Sam and Lizzie eventually surrender themselves to Fletcher's authority, leading to a harsh trial where the town calls for Sam's execution. Fred stands by Sam's side, offering prayers and support, while Mick and others advocate for his hanging. Sam ultimately confesses to killing Harry in self-defense, revealing that he himself cannot bear children, which resonates with Fletcher.
In a surprising turn of events, the judge determines Sam's innocence, leading to widespread outrage in the town, especially from Fletcher. Sam, finally cleared of blame, leaves with Fred, Lizzie, and Lucy, but tragedy strikes when a bullet suddenly claims Sam's life. As he dies in Fred's arms, Lizzie and Lucy are left traumatized, grappling with the horrifying aftermath.
In the distance, Philomac watches the remnants of Harry's life, recognizing how much he has become like Mick. Overcome with guilt, he discards Harry's watch into the river, symbolizing his wish to break free from that past. Inspired by Sam's sacrifice, Fred resolves to build a church in the community, a testament to the struggle for faith and redemption amidst chaos and heartbreak.
