Set in 1808, the film introduces a morally complex protagonist: Crusoe (Aidan Quinn), a Virginia slave trader en route to Africa to procure more slaves. Caught in a violent storm, his ship is wrecked, leaving him stranded on a remote tropical island with only his dog, Scamp, for company. As he strives for survival, Crusoe discovers that the island is periodically visited by a tribe practicing cannibalism. After rescuing one of their intended sacrifices, whom he names Lucky, Crusoe's understanding of humanity and his own beliefs are profoundly challenged
