When Owen Mosley hits a financial brick wall, he inherits an old and deserted home in a small town in North Carolina, leaving him no choice but to relocate his family after the tragic death of his wife, Theresa. His efforts toward a new start for his family are challenged by his failing business, child protective services and the rebellious nature of his fifteen-year-old daughter, Kyra, who deflects his every attempt at mending their relationship. But that is the least of his worries as they encounter a presence in their new home who shows its dislike for the family, as it gradually and increasingly torments them with vicious paranormal displays and attacks.
Little seven-year-old Jacob knows what should be done to stop it all, if only his troubled father would stop to listen instead of shooing him off to play. The forest that outlines the rear of their backyard, holds a secret high up in an old, dark wooded, well-built treehouse. In it, an old wooden toybox.