[6][7] The film focuses on a young prison officer meeting an older colleague, who is revealed to be the chief executioner.

This puts a strain on the siblings' relationship; Suhaila is displeased with Aiman's dealings at work, particularly because their father Yusof Ibrahim was sentenced to death thirty years ago for murder, leading to them being raised by their grandfather Ibrahim Fazril, while Aiman appears to disapprove of Suhaila's relationship with John, an Australian expat.

At work, Joseph reveals to Aiman that he has stepped down as Rahim's assistant because, when tasked with carrying out an execution, he could not bring himself to pull the lever.

Meanwhile, Rahim teaches Aiman the tricks of the trade and shares his knowledge and experience with him, and their mentor-mentee bond grows stronger.

When Aiman returns to work, Rahim tells him that his father's criminal record ought to have precluded him from taking up a role pertaining to execution, and that his failure to disclose such was a disciplinary offence.

As a starting point for research, Boo had read the book Once a Jolly Hangman by Alan Shadrake.

The book, critical of Singapore's judicial system, also included an interview with hangman Darshan Singh who had executed up to 18 convicts in a day.

[10] Film shooting took place inside several disused prison facilities in New South Wales, Australia.

[15][16] The film also had a significant following in neighbouring country Malaysia as it premiered in selected cinemas there on 24 November of the same year with positive reviews.