In the lush Shenandoah Valley during the American Civil War, Charlie Anderson, a widowed farmer and fierce individualist, is determined to keep his family out of the conflict that rages around them. The war may be consuming the nation, but Charlie believes it has nothing to do with him or his land. He teaches his six sons and daughter the importance of self-reliance and independence, focusing on tending their farm rather than taking sides. Despite the political turmoil and pressure from neighboring townsfolk, Charlie insists that they have no stake in the war. His steadfast refusal to fight for either the Confederacy or the Union reflects his deep commitment to pacifism and family values above all else.

However, the brutal realities of war soon encroach upon Charlie’s isolationist ideals. His youngest son, mistaken for a Confederate soldier, is captured by Union forces, setting off a chain of events that force Charlie to confront the chaos surrounding his family. With his deeply held beliefs tested, Charlie must navigate the relentless challenges as the war comes uncomfortably close to his doorstep. As he embarks on a perilous journey to recover his son, he experiences firsthand the war’s impact on both soldiers and civilians. This odyssey challenges Charlie's notions of neutrality and forces him to reevaluate the principles he has long held dear.