In a small town in the United States during the Civil War, a group of loyal pacifists faces the harsh reality of the conflict tearing their nation apart. The story revolves around a man named Abner, who finds himself caught between his ideals and the pressure he feels to join the Union forces. His life takes an unexpected turn when his son enlists to fight, leaving Abner in a state of deep anguish and internal conflict.
As he tries to navigate this emotional storm, Abner becomes a target of scorn from war supporters, who accuse him of being a traitor and a coward. Tension in the town escalates, and Abner is forced to confront fanatics who cannot understand his fervent desire for peace. Abner's enemies, along with his own son, push him to make difficult decisions that have the potential to destroy his family relationship and his personal integrity.
As hostilities increase and the town becomes an ideological battleground, Abner must fight not only for his life but for the possibility of peaceful coexistence. The film offers a powerful reflection on duty, family, and the cost of war, exploring the value of peace amidst uncontrollable turmoil and the struggle of the individual against the tide of history.