A group of cadet boys survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As they realize they are far from any form of civilization, they endeavor to form a basic society to govern themselves. Initially, Ralph takes on the role of a leadership figure, promoting order and cooperation among the boys. With Piggy's intellectual assistance, they establish rules and designate tasks such as building shelters and maintaining a signal fire in hopes of being rescued. Jack, who is eventually put in charge of hunting, becomes increasingly preoccupied with power and control over the group.

Tensions between Ralph and Jack steadily escalate, dividing the boys into rival factions. Jack's group becomes more savage, focusing on primal instincts and hunting rather than rescue. Tribalism and fear take root as the boys' civilized behavior deteriorates, leading to consequences that unsettle the fragile social order they initially tried to establish. The struggle for power, combined with the island’s isolation, exposes the darker aspects of human nature as their society begins to collapse.