Master Mathison, a seven year old boy is kept hidden and isolated
from the outside world. It is a time of solitude, discovery, and
realizations. He is carefully minded under the watchful eye of Ms.
Billie, the Head Mistress of the Mackory Manor, located in the
California interior. She is tasked with overseeing all aspects of the
facility, especially keeping out the "Unwanteds", which she refers
to. One day, Jack wanders beyond the green field, down a brick
path to meet a magnificent old oak tree who he befriends and calls
Willie. A friendship and bond is quickly formed as the young
master's understanding of the world begins to blur. Jack confides
in the wise wrinkled tree for advice and assistance, as he begins to
find complications in his life. Meeting a strange man, Jack is forced to
question his ever changing environment with little resolve. Guided by
Willie, he attempts to put the broken pieces together in an effort to
regain his mental control. Each step forward finds him losing touch with
reality, becoming more distant to the last remaining friend he knows.
With help from a chef named Sam, Jack struggles through the days, unable
to comprehend the terrors that plague his mind. Father time drives the
gears forward as Willie attempts to aid the young boy in understanding.
Imaginary battles, glorious victories, and heart-wrenching defeats occur
with extraordinary feats of courage from the young boy. Jack slowly learns
of Willie's true meaning while the tale unfolds. The old oak is much more
than just a tree, after all.