Andrew Sterling, an accomplished African-American playwright, moves into a predominantly white neighborhood. Mistaken for a burglar by his racially prejudiced new neighbors, the police are called and a siege begins. The local authorities, hoping to avoid bad publicity, quickly realize their error. To cover up their mistake, they concoct a plan to stage a false kidnapping. They decide to use a small-time white criminal named Amos Odell, who is offered a deal to break into Andrew’s house and pretend to take him hostage.

However, the plan quickly unravels. Inside the house, Amos and Andrew find themselves in an uneasy alliance as they try to navigate the escalating chaos outside. As they interact, their initial distrust gives way to an understanding of one another's struggles and circumstances. Meanwhile, the police and media circus outside grows increasingly out of control, highlighting deep-seated racial tensions within the community. The characters' choices and actions set the stage for unexpected revelations and confrontations as the situation spirals further.