Set in the northern Algerian port city of Mostaganem. The title refers to the hordes of refugees, the 'Harragas', who smuggle themselves out of the country via any means possible. Here we meet one such group, Rachid, Nasser and Imene who pay a smuggler, Hassan, to take them to Spain in his rickety boat. Along with a group of African and Arab migrants, they are risking all they have to cross the stormy Straits.

The story of Fatima, a young woman in her twenties who descends into delinquency and violence. Amir, a seducer and charmer, manages to manipulate Fatima and her two friends Ali and Mouhand.