When his Mississippi policeman father gives Sam a fishing boat, he uses the boat to disappear for hours at time. Exploring the swampy surroundings of his bayou home, Sam finds a boy living on his own in the wilderness. Davey gives evasive explanation as to why he's on his own, and Sam makes efforts to help him. But this leads him to telling small lies that only get bigger as the danger increases for both boys and hidden truths become harder to conceal.