After giving birth to a baby boy out of wedlock, 18-year-old Maggie Gilkeson (played by Frances Fisher) decides to put him up for adoption. She moves away from her family's ranch in Texas and starts a new life in Los Angeles, where she goes on to become a respected family-court judge.
Meanwhile, Maggie's father, Samuel Jones (played by Kris Kristofferson), has secretly taken the baby and raised him as his own. He names the boy Little John after his own father, who was killed by Comanches many years ago.
Twelve years later, Samuel believes that Maggie should know the truth about her son. He sets out for Los Angeles with Little John (played by Ryan Slater) in tow, hoping to reunite them.
Maggie is shocked to learn that her father has been hiding her son from her all these years. She struggles with her feelings of anger and betrayal, but eventually accepts that she has a son that she never knew about.
However, things get complicated when Little John starts to show signs of aggression and violence. Maggie suspects that he may have inherited some of his biological father's tendencies and worries about what that could mean for his future.
As Maggie tries to come to terms with having a son she never knew existed, she also has to navigate the legal system and determine what is best for Little John's future.
The film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the consequences of our actions. It features strong performances from Fisher, Kristofferson, and Slater, and has been praised for its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of complex family dynamics.