The Domestic

The US Government conducts a catastrophic chemical weapons attack to reset society, triggering mass breakdown and panic. Survivors divide into warring factions—the Gangs and the Domestics—redefining the country into territories ruled by violence. A talk-show hosted by DJ Crazy Al intercuts the chaos with updates and commentary.

The population splits into Gangs (Gamblers, Sheets, Plowboys, Nailers, Cherries) and Domestics who seek peace. Territories are carved out as the new order hardens into violence. The interwoven talk-show frame continues to chronicle the country’s division.

Mark and Nina West travel toward Milwaukee to reunite with Nina’s parents. They take shelter in an abandoned house along the way and survive a Nailers break-in when Mark guns them down. The brutal reality of the new world becomes personal as their trip continues.

Nathan Wood and his son Steven rescue the couple from pursuing Nailers at a store. Nathan invites them to his home for a meal, and along the way they encounter members of the Plowboys. Nathan hints at a rumor of a new gang made up of children.

During the meal, Nathan admits that they have eaten human flesh. The revelation compounds the fear and moral ambiguity surrounding the new order. A Nailers attack later interrupts the moment, escalating the tension.

A Nailer takes Nathan’s daughter hostage and demands Mark and Nina. Steven ambushes the Nailer, chaos erupts, and Mark and Nina flee as Nathan’s wife and daughter are killed. Nathan kills the Nailer but vows revenge and calls his Plowboy contacts on a CB radio.

Betsy, a deserter Cherry, follows the couple to an abandoned house and takes an interest in Nina. Betsy had earlier killed her way out of the Plowboys’ captivity. She becomes a wary ally as Nina’s wound is tended.

Nina awakens and considers leaving Mark, removing her wedding ring in the process. She discovers Mark’s notes pleading for another chance and finds a box of records, then puts on a Heavy Metal record and dances. The moment marks a fragile spark of hope amid the ruin.

Mark encounters William Cunningham, who holds Nathan and Steven. William forces Mark to fight a large slave; Mark overcomes the fighter and kills William, freeing the slave. Nathan forgives Mark and departs with Steven, ending his quest for vengeance.

Mark and Nina reunite at the house but are captured by Gamblers and taken to their clubhouse for a deadly game of Russian Roulette. Mark is shot in the shoulder; Nina breaks free, shoots the host, and the couple escapes in a stolen car. The escape leaves them racing toward Nina’s parents’ house.

The couple reach Nina’s parents’ house only to learn they have died. Mark treats his wounds, and Nina discovers that her father’s Wildey pistol was stolen. A neighbor hints that Phil has betrayed them by colluding with the Gamblers.

Phil’s betrayal brings Gamblers back to the neighborhood for a final confrontation. Betsy, aided by Plowmen, fights back as the battle rages; Betsy hands Mark the wedding ring before she dies. Nina shoots the last Gambler, and Phil's corpse is found, revealing that a neighbor's child is behind the rumored children's gang, while Nina recovers her father's pistol.

After a brief rest at Nina's parents' house, Mark and Nina prepare to leave again. Crazy Al’s radio broadcast reports that the couple eliminated Gamblers in Milwaukee, framing their actions as a warning to other gangs and a sign of hope for the Domestics.