In the anarchic town of Seaside, nowhere near the sea, puppeteers Judy and Punch are trying to resurrect their marionette show. The show is a hit due to Judy's superior puppeteering but Punch's driving ambition and penchant for whisky lead to a inevitable tragedy that Judy must avenge.

Ten-year-old Mrs. McCutcheon is having trouble fitting in at a new school until meeting Trevor, a tough little charmer who also suffers prejudice due to his Aboriginal heritage. With the school dance only days away, the two must navigate the pressures of school and family and find the courage to be who they are.