Set in the outback of Australia’s Northern territory, "Sweet Country" revolves around the encounter between Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man working for a preacher, and Harry, a bitter war veteran. Sam’s relationship with the cruel and ill-tempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout in which Sam kills Harry in self-defence. Becoming a wanted criminal, Sam is forced to flee with his wife across the harsh desert country; but as the true details of the killing start to surface, the community begins to question whether justice is really being served.