The Mississippi River, 1861. When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a new owner in New Orleans and separated from his wife and daughter forever, he flees to nearby Jackson’s Island to formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, who recently returned to town. Together they begin a dangerous and transcendent journey along the river, with each bend concealing the prospect of salvation or demise.