本片改编自劳伦斯·奥斯本同名小说，小说故事描绘了在摩洛哥沙漠中，一对英国夫妇和当地人在一个豪华别墅的周末聚会上相遇的悲剧。
　　SpeedingthroughtheMoroccandeserttoattendanoldfriend’slavishweekendparty,wealthyLondonersDavidandJoHenninger(RalphFiennesandJessicaChastain)areinvolvedinatragicaccidentwithalocalteenageboy.Arrivinglateatthegrandvillawiththedebauchedpartyraging,thecoupleattemptstocoveruptheincidentwiththecollusionofthelocalpolice.Butwhentheboy’sfatherarrivesseekingjustice,thestageissetforatension-filledcultureclashinwhichDavidandJomustcometotermswiththeirfatefulactanditsshatteringconsequences.