In an idyllic town in Indiana during the American Civil War, the life of the Birdwell family is shaken by the arrival of a conflict that challenges their pacifist beliefs. Jess, the patriarch of the family, is a peace-loving Quaker who faces a moral dilemma when his children, especially the impulsive and energetic Josh, feel the temptation to join the Union forces to fight for their country. Meanwhile, the young daughter of the family, Mattie, finds herself caught in a tangled love story with a soldier, adding more tension to the family situation.
As the conflict escalates, the Birdwells must confront their values and the realities of a world at war. The film captures the internal struggles of the family members, who must reconcile their ideals of non-violence with the circumstances of a divided country. Among moments of light comedy and profound reflections on what it truly means to be a "good person," the story encourages us to consider relevant questions about faith, family, and the search for a path amidst chaos. The decisions the Birdwells make will determine not only their future but also that of their community, in a moving narrative that explores the emotional cost of war in everyday life.