When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again.

Spain is being torn apart by the Civil War. Abandoned in a grim and isolated orphanage, newcomer Carlos, 12, faces hostility and violence from his fellow inmates - led by tormented Jaime - and the brutal handyman, Jacinto. But the dark cellars and empty cloisters of the orphanage hide far greater terrors. The ghost of a young boy, brutally murdered, appears to Carlos, warning of imminent disaster and threatening terrible vengeance.