An American woman named Betty, married to an Iranian man named Moody, lives a seemingly peaceful life in the United States with their daughter, Mahtob. Moody convinces Betty to travel to Iran to visit his family, promising it will be a short trip. Upon arrival, Betty is alarmed by the cultural differences but tries to adapt for the sake of her family. However, Moody reveals that he intends to stay in Iran permanently, and Betty realizes that she and Mahtob are essentially trapped. With her husband becoming increasingly controlling and abusive, Betty's fear grows as she discovers that women in Iran have very few rights, and escaping would be nearly impossible.

Betty embarks on a desperate journey to find a way back to the United States with her daughter. She must navigate a foreign land filled with dangers and strict societal norms, all while dealing with her husband's watchful eye and unpredictable temperament. Determined to reclaim her freedom and that of her daughter, Betty seeks help from various sources, including sympathetic locals and eventually the Swiss embassy. Her struggle epitomizes a fight against overwhelming odds in a rigidly patriarchal society, highlighting her resilience and unyielding desire to return home.