It follows 16-year-old Erik, who is used to violence both at home and in the schoolyard. After being expelled from his school in Stockholm due to his violent behavior, he is transferred to the boarding school Stjernsberg. It is his last chance to continue his education and break with his previous life, but at Stjernsberg, the violence is worse than at home. While there, he also engages in a forbidden love relationship with Marja, a member of the kitchen staff.