Ruby Baker (Leelee Sobieski) and her brother, Rhett (Trevor Morgan) suffer the tragic loss of their parents (Rita Wilson and Michael O'Keefe) in a terrible car accident. They are sent to live with their former neighbors (Stellan Skarsgard and Diane Lane) who appear to be generous and doting at first, but in reality, they are simply after the large insurance policies left to Ruby and Rhett.