Redfern, Sydney, 1984. Madeline (Madeleine Madden) is a young Aboriginal girl with a big crush. Except the boy in question lives in another country and happens to be the hottest teen actor on the planet: 'Karate Kid' Ralph Macchio.

With the school dance fast approaching, Madeline writes a letter to Ralph inviting him to be her date. While hopefully and excitedly waiting for Ralph's reply, Madeline must endure the unkindness of her classmates. Dean the school bully is intent on making life a living hell for Madeline.

But in a surprising turn of events, Madeline discovers she has a friend who is willing to stand by her. Garth (Stephen Carr) knows all too well what life is like being on the outside. When Garth fails to come to school for a week, Madeline realises that she is the one who must find him.