Millie is a hardworking, tough and protective South Los Angeles single mother with an affection for fostering homeless children. Her neighbour Obie is the local loose cannon - and the only white man - in an area largely inhabited by African American, Latino and Korean people. With racial tensions running high, Millie and Obie appear to be unlikely allies. But following the acquittal of four of the officers accused of beating Rodney King in 1992, the two of them must navigate the gathering chaos as the city erupts in violence and riots.