Xavier (Matt Hopkins) is a traumatized writer who has recently moved to the town of New Rome with his wife, Sandra (Daniela Mastropietro), and their two children for a new start in life. When the locals begin to harass him over his objections to the real-estate development on the riverbank, Xavier lashes out. The situation becomes aggravated when he meets a stranger, who lures him into a series of shamanic sessions involving hallucinogens, forcing him to confront his demons. In the process a shadow self is born, whose influence Xavier has a hard time controlling. As the pressure from his surroundings mounts, Xavier spirals out of control, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the people around him.