1997: A brash American journalist, Claudio Nicari, and his Tunisian colleague Sarah, go on assignment to interview the elusive and secretive Omar Abbadi, the spiritual leader and 'Commander of The Faithful' of a violent Islamist group called the Algerian Islamic Front. Accompanied by their cameraman Jason and their young interpreter Rachid, they venture off to a remote Algerian village where a horrific massacre had just taken place. They are horrified by what they encounter but Abbadi's representatives have other plans. While Sarah and Jason are allowed to escape, Claudio and Rachid are taken captive and brought to the group's remote compound somewhere in the Algerian countryside. Held against their will, both Claudio and Rachid become victims of the charismatic - yet dangerous - militant who goes by the name Adem, who delights in twisted psychological games with his new captives. Up is down, black is white, and both Claudio and Rachid find themselves fighting for survival as each passing moment becomes an intolerable battle of wills.