A girl's childhood is brought to a halt when her mother decides to marry a local lothario. Her new stepfather is quick to show his nasty side, and before long they are ostracized from the community.

The death of Sebastian's father engenders in him pathological fears and hallucinations. His death wishes seem to cause horrible accidents, which he is unable to control. When his older brother dies, he feels that he has caused it. He undergoes hypnosis, but his apparent supernatural powers continue. As his own life nears its end, he becomes even more violent and sadistic.