The film revolves around Hally, a young white South African, who finds himself caught between the prejudiced views of his father and the more positive influence of Sam, his caretaker. Sam, a black waiter, is not only Hally’s friend but also his mentor. While Hally is pressured to humor his father’s racist remarks, Sam introduces him to enriching and inspiring experiences. After a particularly degrading encounter with his father, Sam helps Hally discover a sense of pride in his own accomplishments.