It is New Year's Eve and Gunge (Edwin Wright) finds that his debt to a ruthless drug dealer sets off a chain of events that rip through his South Auckland neighbourhood.

Tama's brother Rick (Jarod Rawiri) is so rocked by the tragedy that he is forced to confront his own secrets and his allegiance to Maori values.

Nearby, Lisa (Alix Bushnell), who is nine months pregnant and devoted to her drug addicted boyfriend (Michael Whalley), begins to suspect that he may not make the best father for her baby.

[1] Many locals were used as extras in the film (including location manager Damion Nathan), especially during scenes set in the Ōtara markets.

McGlashan compiled a range of hits by renowned New Zealand artists including Gin Wigmore, Bill Sevesi, The Phoenix Foundation, Misfits of Science, Prince Tui Teka, Concord Dawn and The Brunettes.

McGlashan also composed the film's main song "What Love Can Do", which was sung by soul/jazz singer Bella Kalolo and The GLCC Youth Choir.

Critic Peter Calder praised the film as "a touching series of intersecting stories about the fragility of life and the redeeming power of love", and described the soundtrack by composer Don McGlashan as "a cracker".