Set in a small Virginia mill town, Scorched Earth is the story of a young mixed-race couple whose stillborn child is exhumed by the local church where she was laid to rest. That night, the church is burned, and the sheriff’s 18 year-old daughter’s body is found in the ashes. Based on actual news stories, Scorched Earth is a courtroom drama and a mystery, but even more it is a contemplation on contemporary issues of race, politics, violence and forgiveness.