In a brutal British borstal, a reformatory for young offenders, a new inmate named Carlin arrives with a reputation that precedes him. He's wary and initially tries to keep his head down but quickly realizes that survival means he must assert dominance. The borstal is a harsh environment dominated by violence and strict hierarchies among the boys and overseen by abusive guards. Carlin struggles against the institutional dehumanization and the cruel treatment that strips inmates of their identity and autonomy.

As Carlin navigates this hostile world, he forms tenuous alliances and faces relentless confrontations. Held together by a brutal regime, the institution increasingly pits inmates against each other, enforcing a grim code of violence and submission. The guards encourage this hostility, fostering an atmosphere of constant tension and fear. Carlin's journey transforms him as he grapples with his morals and the necessity for brutality in such an oppressive setting. The raw and unflinching portrayal of life within the borstal underscores the cycle of violence that perpetuates itself both inside and outside its walls.