The film is set on a remote farm in 1859, Canada, and follows the story of a young boy who is thrust into a world of fear and uncertainty after a mysterious illness claims the life of his mother shortly after their arrival from Great Britain. With their first winter fast approaching, the boy must set his grief and anxiety aside to aid his rigid father in ensuring their prized cattle are ready to face the challenging season ahead. But as the land that promised prosperity yields more struggle than gains, their kinship is put to the test.