Set during the holiday season at a New England prep school in the early 1970s, a cantankerous, rule-abiding history teacher named Mr. Hunham is tasked with overseeing a group of students who, for various reasons, remain on campus over the winter break. With most of the staff and students gone, the school feels eerily empty. Among the few left behind is Angus, a smart yet misfit teenager struggling with his identity and pressures to succeed. Meanwhile, Mary, the school's head cook, stays to ensure those remaining are well-fed and cared for. As the trio's paths cross and they navigate the cold winter days together, they initially clash due to Hunham's strict demeanor and inflexible routines, Angus’s rebellious tendencies, and Mary's no-nonsense attitude and frustrations about her personal life.

Despite their differences, the isolation gradually fosters unexpected bonds. Mr. Hunham begins to see beyond his rigid worldview as he connects with Angus over shared intellectual curiosity and challenges. Mary serves as a compassionate figure who bridges gaps with her warmth and common-sense approach. Through conversations, shared meals, and unplanned adventures within the barren school grounds, each character faces their personal difficulties and learns about forgiveness, understanding, and the importance of human connection. As the winter snows continue to fall, this unlikely companionship offers solace and transformation during a time meant for family and joy, reminding them all about the power of togetherness in overcoming loneliness and adversity.