As tensions rise in Los Angeles during the Rodney King trial in 1992, Millie (Halle Berry) is trying to raise a family of foster children in South Central.

Millie befriends Ollie (Daniel Craig), a loner who is one of South Central's only white residents. When the riots break out in the city following the verdict, Ollie tries to help Millie find the kids and get them out of the worst of the violence.