It was past midnight, and I was only a few kilometres from my destination when I noticed flashing blue lights in my rear-view mirror...

It's the summer of 1980 and Sam, a charismatic young man of eighteen years, leaves New Zealand seeking adventure. A series of dramatic events unfold, trapping Sam on the South Coast of NSW.

He meets and befriends expat Kiwis while hitching, discovers love amidst the summer heat, experiences bizarre events and lusting women who never seem to take 'No' for an answer, all while reporting daily to the local police station.

Sam's entire world unravels as a heat wave descends and the only place to seek relief and solace is in the ocean.