In a small, insular religious community, Pastor Riga, a charismatic and radical spiritual leader, begins preaching that chosen members of her congregation can transcend their physical forms. Ben, a twelve-year-old boy, believes he is one of the chosen few and expects his transformation to take place soon. Ben’s father, Brendan, supports his son’s religious conviction while his mother, Meredith, sees Pastor Riga as a disingenuous threat to her son and the community. Meanwhile, Nel, another congregate whose husband recently transcended and has since disappeared, finds herself suddenly alone, caught between raising a child and taking care of her invalid father. As Ben’s transformation approaches and Nel’s life crumbles, the congregation splinters, growing increasingly suspicious and vindictive. With stark intensity, THE SHAPE OF THE BONES tells the story of a community in quiet crisis, its members forced to choose between faith and family.