The film unfolds like a rich tapestry woven with themes of grief and resilience, set against the backdrop of 1919, a time still haunted by the echoes of World War I. At the heart of the story is Joshua Connor, portrayed by Russell Crowe, an Australian farmer and water diviner whose life has been irrevocably impacted by the presumed loss of his three sons—Arthur, Edward, and Henry—who served alongside the ANZACs in Gallipoli. The weight of uncertainty regarding their fates has crushed his wife, Eliza, leading her to a tragic end.
In his desperate search for closure, Joshua embarks on a perilous journey to Turkey, determined to recover his sons' bodies and lay them to rest with their mother. His quest leads him to the vibrant city of Istanbul, where he finds unexpected comfort in the warm hospitality of Ayshe, a war-widowed hotel owner played by Olga Kurylenko. Despite the obstacles he faces, Joshua's determination unwavering propels him forward, and he learns that to reach Gallipoli, he must brave a treacherous boat journey.
Upon his arrival in Gallipoli, Joshua discovers that the ANZACs are entrenched in a massive burial effort, with civilians strictly prohibited from entering the area. Here, Major Hasan, portrayed by Yılmaz Erdoğan, takes pity on Joshua's plight and convinces Captain Hughes, played by Jai Courtney, to assist in the search for his sons' remains. As they navigate the remnants of war, Joshua's dreams begin to tease a glimmer of hope—perhaps his eldest son, Arthur, has survived against the odds.
Hasan, understanding the importance of Joshua’s quest, reveals the possibility that Arthur may have been captured by Turkish forces. Armed with this revelation, Joshua returns to Istanbul, only to be thwarted in his attempts to locate the prison where Arthur might be held, leading to a climactic confrontation with Ayshe, who grapples with her own struggles and the societal pressure to marry her brother-in-law, Omer.
As tensions rise, Omer and his friends launch a brutal attack on Joshua, yet they are met with resistance from Sergeant Jemal, played by Cem Yılmaz, who steps in to protect him from harm. Injured but resilient, Joshua tends to his wounds as Ayshe expresses her remorse over their earlier conflict. This moment sparks a deeper understanding between them, forcing Joshua to confront the devastating impact of war on their lives.
In this turbulent environment, Joshua finds an unexpected ally in Hasan, who prepares his forces for the impending Greek invasion. As they rally together, Joshua’s quest morphs into a shared fight for survival. With Ayshe's apologies still haunting him, Joshua embarks on a new chapter that leads him further into the heart of Turkey and closer to the truth about his sons.
As events unfold aboard a train, Jemal discovers a mysterious cricket bat and seeks clarification from Joshua. This moment leads to an impromptu lesson on cricket rules for the Turkish soldiers, but their peaceful interlude is shattered by a surprise Greek attack, resulting in the deaths of most of their companions. Amidst the chaos, Joshua uses the bat to save Hasan from execution, and although Jemal sacrifices himself in the struggle, he gives Joshua and Hasan a chance to flee to safety.
In a nearby town, they finally encounter Arthur, who has been grappling with the haunting trauma of war. Arthur reveals that his brother Edward was alive but gravely wounded, and in a heart-wrenching decision, he had to put him out of his misery, a choice that now burdens him with guilt.
As Greek forces target the town, Joshua and Arthur make a desperate escape through the mountains. Initially hesitant, Arthur ultimately acknowledges his father's words about familial bonds, leading them both to safety. Their determination, courage, and newfound solidarity allow them to finally return to Ayshe's hotel.
The film closes with a poignant image of Joshua enjoying a cup of coffee prepared by Ayshe, a moment that reveals the deepening connection between them, suggesting that their stories, like the war, are far from over.
