"Capernaun" tells the story of Zain (Zain Al Rafeea), a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the 'crime' of giving him life. The film follows Zain as he journeys from gutsy, streetwise child to hardened 12-year-old 'adult' fleeing his negligent parents, surviving through his wits on the streets, taking care of Ethiopian refugee Rahil and her baby son Yonas, being jailed for a violent crime, and finally, seeking justice in a courtroom.