ORPHANS centers on two brothers who were, long ago, abandoned by their parents. The younger boy, Phillip, keeps safe by staying in the siblings' shabby digs, a virtual prisoner, while his older brother, Treat, supports them with petty crimes.

As the small-time crime market dwindles, Treat stumbles upon what he believes to be the greatest thing ever to happen to the two of them. This golden opportunity comes in the form of an affable, well-to-do older man, Harold. Treat plans an elaborate kidnapping, complete with ransom demands, but is disappointed when Harold turns out to be something other than what he appears.