Three teenagers from West Memphis, Arkansas, are accused and convicted of the brutal murders of three young boys in 1993. Amidst widespread media scrutiny, the case against Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley, and Jason Baldwin is built heavily on circumstantial evidence and a questionable confession. These convictions quickly spark controversy and a movement from supporters who believe the teens were wrongfully convicted due to their unconventional appearances and interests, which garnered undue suspicion. The film meticulously examines the original investigation's inadequacies, including overlooked evidence and witness coercion, raising questions about the true perpetrators of the heinous crime.

As new supporters including celebrities, forensic experts, and legal professionals come forward, they begin to uncover significant flaws in the police work and the judicial process. Throughout the narrative, detailed interviews with those involved paint a grim picture of potential miscarriages of justice. Advocacy for re-examining the case leads to a determined fight for the truth, highlighting themes of societal bias, legal failures, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The documentary aims to bring light to the need for reform in the criminal justice system while exploring the emotional and societal impacts on the accused and their families.