The fisherman and owner of a fishing vessel, Captain Nolan (Richard Harris), becomes aware of the economical value of an orca whale alive through the lecture of the biologist Rachel Bedford (Charlotte Rampling) and decides to capture one to pay the mortgage of his ship. However, the operation fails and he kills a pregnant female whale and its offspring. The male mate orca seeks revenge against Captain Nolan and his crew, jeopardizing the fishing community of the coastal town.