In 1902, just a year after the formation of the Australian Federation, twelve-year-old Tom finds himself on a remote farm near the forest, brought there by his father, Nat, along with his sister, Sarah. Nat’s vision of a self-sustaining life has crumbled, and his mental stability is deteriorating. One night, when three former soldiers show up at their cabin, Tom, much like his father, sees them as a sign of hope.