In the early 20th century, young Australian sprinter Archy Hamilton dreams of competing in athletics but becomes entangled with the fervor of World War I. Archy meets fellow runner Frank Dunne at a race in Western Australia, and despite differing outlooks on life, they form a fast friendship bonded by their shared passion for running. As the war effort intensifies, Archy is eager to join the Australian Imperial Force, fueled by patriotism and a sense of adventure. Frank is skeptical, avoiding military service in favor of financial security, but his loyalty to Archy and a change in heart lead him to enlist as well. The duo undergoes rigorous and grueling military training in Egypt, grappling with the harsh realities that accompany their romantic visions of warfare. During their time in Cairo, they encounter soldiers from across the Commonwealth, deepening their understanding of the global conflict.

Transferring to the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of the Allied campaign against the Ottoman Empire, Archy and Frank find themselves at the center of a chaotic and brutal battlefield. Their camaraderie is tested as they confront horrific conditions and the futile nature of trench warfare, posing questions about valor, sacrifice, and survival. As their unit prepares for a critical assault, both friends must reckon with the profound implications of their choices and the haunting specter of impending battle. The harsh realities of war clash with their initial idealism, leaving them facing an uncertain fate on the front lines.