Set in the 1950s, the film follows a working-class teenager, David Greene, who receives a scholarship to attend an elite preparatory school in New England. Determined to leverage this opportunity for a better future, he leaves his close-knit family in Pennsylvania with high hopes of fitting into this privileged environment. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, he excels both academically and athletically, quickly earning the respect and admiration of his peers and teachers alike. However, David carries a secret that he fears will alienate him from the friends he is starting to make: he is Jewish. The school's culture is steeped in tradition and a sense of exclusivity that implicitly excludes those who differ from the norm.

As David forms bonds and gains trust within this circle of young men who at first seem open-minded, underlying prejudices begin to materialize. The school atmosphere reveals a quieter but pervasive strain of anti-Semitism that forces David to conceal his true identity even more vigilantly. Tensions mount as the school year progresses and David impresses his peers, particularly when it comes to his skills on the football field. While friendships deepen, the pressure of keeping his background hidden intensifies. His relationships with his classmates, especially the influential ones, start to fray as suspicions rise. David struggles with the moral dilemma of preserving his newfound status while confronting an environment deeply rooted in discrimination. As events unfold, he is pushed towards a decision that will not only affect his friendships but could potentially determine the course of his future.