New Zealand in the 1830s is a world dominated by tribal wars. Seeking redemption from a dark past, lay preacher Thomas Munro (Guy Pearce) is on board a ship heading to a new settlement in that far corner of the world. When the ship anchors for repairs, Munro is caught in a battle between Māori tribes and witnesses the slaughter of innocents at the hands of chief Akatārawa. Munro saves the life of the daughter of Maianui, a rival chief whose land the settlement leases in a delicate arrangement. Munro soon realizes he is a pawn in a strategic power play, and with bloody war between the two tribes inevitable, he must decide the role he will play – and if his faith is of any value.