The Kelley family seems on the brink of dissolution: Allan's date farm is based in the California desert miles from the nearest hamlet, his harvest has been bad for several years, and he insists on sheltering and feeding a hulking mute called "Him" in exchange for chores. Wife Carol is at her breaking point and daughter Sandra finds little respite from the parental bickering in her boyfriend Larry. Then one afternoon, something whirrs overhead and is heard to crash far out in the desert. Shortly thereafter, the kindly family dog attacks Carol, harmless "Him" begins to exhibit menacing behaviors, and other animal life seems to become peculiarly aggressive...