In 2005, Ellis (Jeremy Pope) is a young, gay Black man, who finds himself rejected by his cruel, religious mother (Gabrielle Union). Driven by a desperate need to make his life matter, he decides to enlist in the Marine Corps. Ellis has no trouble meeting the gruelling physical requirements of boot camp, but is less successful at disguising his sexual orientation. This quickly makes him the target of his prejudiced instructors and fellow recruits, but he also finds unexpectedly camaraderie and a sense of belonging that will forever shape his life.

Writer-director Elegance Bratton makes a passionate narrative debut with this affecting film loosely based on his own personal experiences.