An elderly judge named Stefan Mortensen faces an unexpected turn of events when he collapses in court after passing sentence. Following a stroke that leaves him partially immobile, Stefan is compelled to relocate to a care home, where he encounters a fellow resident, Howie. Casual interactions take place as they share a moment outside, with Howie indulging in drinking and smoking. Their interactions are shadowed by the presence of a care home cat, a creature seen by residents as a foreboding symbol of death. One tragic day, Howie's careless handling of a cigarette leads to a catastrophic incident, resulting in his untimely demise as Stefan helplessly witnesses him burn.
In his new living arrangement, Stefan shares a room with Tony Garfield, a former rugby player navigating the complexities of his own challenges. Among the residents, Dave Crealy poses a significant threat, often bullying and terrorizing the other guests. His presence permeates the care home, as he frequently visits Stefan and Tony at night, creating a climate of fear. In one particularly vile act, Dave throws a bottle of urine over Stefan, showcasing his relentless cruelty, all while manipulating a hand puppet named Jenny Pen to intimidate and humiliate the men around him.
Stefan initially holds onto hope, believing he can recover from his stroke and eventually return to his previous life. However, reality sinks in as he realizes that his condition is only going to decline. In a desperate moment, he attempts to drown himself in the bath, but panic sets in, and he clings to the rails for support. Thankfully, a care assistant interrupts just in time, helping him regain his composure. As he scans through old staff photographs, Stefan uncovers the unsettling truth: Dave has been at the care home for decades, revealing a long history of torment.
The situation escalates when one evening, Dave leads an elderly woman named Joyce, who suffers from dementia, out of a secure area. In her confusion, Joyce roams into the night, ultimately tragically being found lifeless in a puddle. This event becomes a catalyst for Stefan, pushing him to confront the ongoing bullying head-on. He makes a valiant but fruitless attempt to neutralize Dave by emptying his asthma inhalers, a move that highlights his desperation.
At first, Tony is reluctant to confront Dave, fearing that standing up for himself might paint him as "pathetic" in the eyes of his family. However, inspired by Stefan's bravery, Tony resolves to challenge Dave, performing a traditional haka in the dining room as a formidable display of defiance. Together, the unlikely duo devises a plan to lure Dave to a secluded laundry room, where they unite to confront their oppressor. In a shocking turn of events, they manage to overpower him, smothering the menace that has haunted their daily lives.
With Dave no longer a threat, a sense of calm returns to the care home, and for Stefan, the atmosphere changes as the once-ominous cat begins to take an interest in him, signifying a new chapter of hope amidst the shadows of their struggles.
