Having escaped from slavery after the Civil War, Reeves (David Gyasi) arrives in Arkansas seeking a job with the law. Despite quickly impressing the local judge through an act of daring bravery against a gang of outlaws, Reeves is forced to prove himself yet further by hunting down a deadly fugitive (Frank Grillo). Aided only by a grizzled journeyman (Ron Perlman), he chases the criminal deeper into the Cherokee Nation where he must dodge bullets - and severe discrimination - in the hopes of earning his star and cementing his place as a legend.