In a Scottish military base after World War II, soldiers' lives are governed by strict protocol and tradition. Colonel Basil Barrow, a war veteran with a strong character and an unwavering passion for military order, faces the arrival of a new commander, Colonel Grimshaw, a man who represents everything contrary to what Barrow stands for. While Barrow is admired and respected for his leadership and his way of doing things, the newcomer Grimshaw attempts to impose his modern and more liberal vision on the unit.
Tension escalates as Barrow clings to his principles, although he begins to feel the pressure from his own men, who are divided between their loyalty to him and their desire to embrace the changes Grimshaw brings. The rivalry between the two becomes a psychological power game, where the ghosts of war and past losses resonate in every decision they make.
Throughout the film, themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle between the old and the new emerge strongly. The drama intensifies to a heartbreaking climax that challenges not only the military structure but also the very nature of friendship and sacrifice. In a context where traditions clash with innovations, the protagonists must confront their destinies and the harsh realities of life after war.