In the chaos and terror of Cambodia under Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime, a New York Times journalist and his Cambodian interpreter and guide navigate the dangers of a country under brutal totalitarian rule. The journalist, seeking to report on the atrocities and the civil war, relies on his interpreter's local knowledge and connections to access the information the world needs to know. Their journey through the ravaged landscapes reveals the human cost of political upheaval and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of dire circumstances.

However, as the Khmer Rouge's grip tightens, the situation becomes increasingly perilous. The relationship between the journalist and his guide is tested by the escalating danger and the ethical dilemmas of reporting from a war zone. The guide faces a harrowing struggle for survival, embodying the suffering and courage of his people. Meanwhile, the journalist is confronted with the challenge of telling a story that the world seems hesitant to hear, all while wrestling with his responsibility towards the safety of his guide. Their story captures the essence of friendship and loyalty amidst the backdrop of one of the 20th century's most tragic episodes.