In a small, impoverished town in Texas, an ex-convict named Joe finds solace and meaning in his new life as a foreman for a tree-poisoning crew. His gruff exterior masks a deep-seated grief and desire for redemption. One day, Joe meets a 15-year-old boy named Gary, who is desperate for work to support his impoverished family. Despite his initial reservations, Joe hires Gary and soon becomes a father figure to him. Gary’s home life is marred by his abusive, alcoholic father, Wade, whose neglect leaves the young boy struggling to survive and protect his younger sister from harm.

As Joe and Gary’s bond deepens, their lives become increasingly intertwined with danger and violence. Joe wrestles with his own demons while attempting to shield Gary from the harsh realities he has experienced himself. Their journey is marked by moments of tenderness and brutal confrontations, underscoring themes of resilience, loyalty, and the search for dignity amid hardship. The plot intensifies as Joe’s efforts to help Gary are met with escalating threats from Wade and other town ne'er-do-wells, testing the limits of his resolve.