A Violent Separation

In 1983, we are introduced to Norman Young, a sheriff's deputy living a modest life in Hardridge County, Missouri. Alongside his brother Ray, they reside in a mobile home on a ranch belonging to the widowed Tom Campbell.

One day, Norman discovers the radio antenna on his police car is bent. He takes it to Tom Campbell, who repairs it effortlessly and shares the tragic story of Norman's father's death, which occurred while seeking work in that very truck.

Tensions rise when Ray appears with another woman, causing a heated altercation with Norman. Ray coldly informs Norman that he is unwelcome at his birthday celebration, escalating the conflict between the brothers.

During a confrontation with Sheriff Ed and other law enforcement officials, tragedy strikes when a fatal accident occurs on the county line. This incident leaves Norman grappling with the impact of unexpected death in their community.

Abbey tries to uplift her younger sister Frances by helping her prepare for a night out. During this moment, Abbey expresses her concerns about Ray, suggesting he has changed after returning from the military.

At the Whisperin' Pig, Abbey dances with Ray while Norman and Frances watch awkwardly. The atmosphere thick with tension is punctuated by Abbey's insistence on driving her vintage '67 GTO despite being intoxicated.

In the woods, Abbey and Ray's playful moment turns tragic when Abbey accidentally gets shot. Ray, driven by fear, attempts to revive her but ultimately abandons her body, realizing the potential consequences of the accident.

As the family wonders about Abbey's whereabouts, Norman finds an abandoned GTO with blood evidence. The sheriff begins piecing together the grim reality while a search for Abbey intensifies within the community.

Norman returns to Tom’s home, battling his own guilt and stifling suspicions about the earlier fight. The family is steeped in sorrow as they grapple with Abbey's death, while Frances assumes greater responsibility for the emotional turmoil.

In the wake of tragedy, Norman and Frances develop a complex relationship that reveals moments of joy shadowed by guilt. Their fleeting bond grows intimate against the backdrop of their shared grief and their attempts to cope.

Frances discovers an old key near the phone booth, raising suspicions among investigators. In an attempt to protect Ray, Norman hastily changes the lock on Ray's mobile home, battling the weight of his conscience regarding their past.

Frances confronts Norman about the deeper truths surrounding their mother's death. This leads to a series of intense encounters, pushing Norman into a corner as he struggles with his guilt and secrets.

Norman's tension with Ray culminates in a dramatic confrontation, where Norman's dark secret is put under scrutiny. This moment tests the very limits of their relationship and the consequences of their actions.

Faced with the darkness of his choices, Norman's moral compass begins to falter. The intertwining realities of betrayal and guilt escalate, leading the characters towards an inevitable and heartbreaking conclusion.

As Ed arrives seeking answers about Abbey's disappearance, he finds nothing but silence from Norman. This haunting encounter leaves a residue of unspoken truths within the community, compelling everyone to confront their hidden realities.