A plane carrying British schoolboys crashes on a deserted tropical island, stranding the boys without any adult supervision. Initially, the boys, led by Ralph and advised by the intelligent Piggy, attempt to organize a civilized society by establishing rules and assigning roles such as building shelters and maintaining a signal fire for rescue. They find a conch shell, using it as a symbol of authority and a tool to gather the group for meetings. However, as time passes, the semblance of order begins to fray, partly influenced by the personalities of certain boys like the authoritative Jack, who becomes obsessed with hunting wild pigs on the island.

Tensions rise as Jack's obsession with hunting starts to conflict with Ralph’s focus on being rescued. The boys are increasingly fearful of a perceived "beast" lurking on the island, which exacerbates their descent into savagery. Divisions within the group grow sharper, leading to power struggles and fractured alliances. The island's environment and isolation bring out the primal instincts in the boys, challenging their initial attempts to maintain civility and cooperation.