We Are What We Are

During a torrential downpour, a woman named Emma Parker enters a store in a confused state. She explains to the butcher that the foul weather has strongly affected her well-being, and despite the chaos, she manages to purchase groceries.

As Emma leaves the store, she notices a poster advertising missing teenage girls. Before she can reach her car, she suddenly begins bleeding from her mouth, loses consciousness, and tragically falls into a rain-filled ditch, leading to her drowning.

The sheriff informs Frank Parker of his wife Emma's death, leaving him devastated with grief. Unable to face the situation, Frank chooses to send his two daughters, Rose and Iris, to identify Emma's body instead of being present himself.

Doctor Barrow conducts an autopsy on Emma's body, mandated by the state. During the examination, he uncovers evidence that suggests she was afflicted with Kuru disease, raising further questions about the circumstances of her death.

As the storm continues, Frank offers comfort from his neighbor Marge, but his mental state deteriorates. Later, in a moment of desperation, he encounters a stranded motorist and the film implies he attacks her violently with a tire iron.

Rose and Iris debate whether they are ready to assume their mother's religious duties. Despite their reservations about the haunting memories of their family's past, Iris insists they must proceed with this year's ritual to honor tradition.

While exploring their father's shed, young Rory stumbles upon a young woman who has been held captive. When Frank discovers Rory's intrusion, he reacts with anger and orders his daughters to kill and butcher the captive for the family's consumption.

Marge realizes there is something amiss within the Parker household and attempts to deliver a vegetarian meal to them. However, she is met with an icy reception from Iris, who is protective of the family's dark secrets.

In a flashback to pioneer times, the family takes shelter in a cave during brutal winter conditions. The father, driven mad by desperation, reveals their only food source— a woman from their group tied up, forcing his daughters to make a grim choice.

Doctor Barrow grows suspicious when he discovers a bone fragment in a creek. Despite the sheriff brushing off his concerns, Barrow persuades Deputy Anders to investigate further, uncovering more evidence that hints at cannibalism within the Parker family.

During their investigation, Deputy Anders confesses his feelings to Iris in a secluded spot. This moment of connection is interrupted by dark events as Frank discovers their intimacy, leading to a violent confrontation that changes everything.

Frank enforces strict control over his daughters after the incident with Anders, forcing them into isolation. However, the siblings devise a plan to escape from their father's oppressive rule, fearing for their safety.

As Frank prepares dinner, he secretly adds a jar of arsenic to the soup, intending to poison his children. Rose realizes the danger and creates a distraction to save her siblings from the horrific fate he has planned.

Barrow confronts Frank, suspecting the family's involvement in the disappearance of Anders and his daughter. A violent struggle ensues, leading to Iris being wounded accidentally, just as Frank's dark intentions are revealed.

After a chaotic struggle, the children manage to escape and take refuge with Marge. In a moment of rebellion and desperation, they confront Frank and ultimately turn against him, ensuring their survival as they begin anew.