There's a corrupt government that constantly watches over the citizens and makes sure none of them commit any "sins" or "wrong doings". No one can feel any negative emotion and if they display anything other than happiness, the government "deals with them". No one notices it until somebody spots a camera hidden in the tree. They pay no attention to it until their friend gets taken away for breaking the rules. The character works to get their friend back, despite all the consequences that could follow, including punishment by death
