The movie begins with a flashback of Ig and his girlfriend, Merrin, enjoying time together in a forest. In the present day, Ig wakes up disoriented on his room's floor. After Merrin's brutal murder, Ig became the prime suspect, though he was never formally charged due to lack of evidence. Despite his acquittal, he faces hostility from his town and family, including his parents who doubt his innocence.

His older brother, Terry, remains supportive, while his best friend, Lee, a lawyer, also believes in his innocence. Lee informs Ig that the forensics lab where Merrin’s blood samples were kept has been burned down, complicating the investigation further.