The Alfasi family leave their war torn country and arrive in New Zealand. They hope for a better life but are met with the various problems facing migrants everywhere: alienation, prejudice and sometimes, even outright contempt. As the family adjusts to their new lifestyle and tries to overcome the many obstacles in their way, 14-year-old Mahmoud begins to show signs of disturbing behaviour. The family home becomes a hostile environment where doors get locked and lights are best left on. As the Alfasis become increasingly more terrorized by the boy, they resort to even the most unconventional methods in order to save their family.