True story: 1915 winter in Norway. A group of young boys aged 11 to 18 are being held in a delinquent youth institution known for its sadistic regime on the island Basty, just outside Oslo. Erling, a new boy, arrives one day, determined to escape the island. Following a tragic incident, he is forced to lead the boys in a violent uprising. When the boys successfully seize control of the island, 150 soldiers are dispatched to restore order.