Luke McNamara, played by Joshua Jackson, is a senior at an Ivy League college where he studies law and has a passion for rowing. He comes from a working-class background, and to pay his way through college, he works two part-time jobs and holds a scholarship.
One day, Luke is approached by a member of a secret society called "The Skulls," an elite organization made up of wealthy and powerful college students. They offer him membership to their exclusive group, promising that it will open doors for him and provide him with connections that would make his dreams of attending Harvard Law School a reality.
Luke is initially hesitant but decides to accept the offer, after being impressed by the lavish lifestyle that the Skulls enjoy. He is soon initiated into the group and becomes close with Caleb Mandrake, played by Paul Walker, who is the group's leader and Luke's sponsor.
However, as Luke becomes more involved with the Skulls, he starts to discover its dark side. He learns that they are involved in illegal activities, such as blackmail and even murder. He also realizes that the Skulls have a hold on his life and that he is unable to leave the group.
As Luke tries to break free from the grip of the Skulls, he finds himself framed for a crime he did not commit and is forced to clear his name before it's too late. He discovers that his only hope of freeing himself from the Skulls is by exposing the group's secrets to the world.
In the end, Luke manages to reveal the truth about the Skulls and its illegal activities. However, he pays a heavy price for his actions, as he is forced to leave his Ivy League college and start over. He realizes that his dreams of attending Harvard Law School will have to wait, while he attempts to rebuild his life.