Accidents Happen

In 1974, the Conway family enjoys a night out at a drive-in theater in Connecticut, watching a show of *The Three Stooges*. The household, led by the formidable matriarch Gloria, is filled with excitement yet is overshadowed by underlying tensions with their neighbor, Doug.

As the family watches the movie, Gloria's disdain for their neighbor Doug becomes evident. Tensions escalate when her son Gene mischievously leads Doug to the top of the drive-in screen, leading to a humiliating incident.

On their way home from the drive-in, an argument among the children distracts Ray, causing a tragic collision with a pick-up truck. While the immediate family sustains only minor injuries, the crash leads to devastating consequences for Linda and Gene, altering the family's future forever.

Eight years later in 1982, the Conway family has drastically changed following the accident. Ray is now divorced and struggling with Gene’s severe health issues while navigating complex family dynamics that continue to be strained and emotionally charged.

Billy, now a teenager, maintains a friendship with Doug despite the family's troubled history. This relationship becomes a source of tension, especially as the family tries to cope with the remaining emotional scars of the past.

A tension-filled evening escalates when an argument erupts over a TV dinner involving Larry, who has succumbed to alcoholism. An accidental spill of dinner onto Larry escalates tensions further, culminating in a physical confrontation between Doug and Larry.

In a moment of reckless play, Billy and Doug attempt a dangerous stunt involving a bowling ball and a moving car, which tragically results in the death of Doug's father. This incident sends shockwaves through both families, deepening the existing wounds.

Following Doug's father's death, tensions mount in the Conway household. Larry's relentless bullying leads to a confrontation with Billy, drawing Gloria's attention and igniting her fury as she discovers Billy's injuries.

Upon hearing of Doug's father's supposed suicide, Gloria confronts Billy with disbelief and anger. Her emotional turmoil reflects the weight of the past events, leading to an explosive family argument.

As the family grapples with their ongoing tensions, they receive the heart-wrenching news that Gene has passed away. This loss brings a profound emotional reckoning for Gloria and the rest of the family.

During Gene’s funeral, Gloria experiences a moment of forgiveness towards Doug, illustrating the complexity of their shared past. The occasion highlights the powerful theme of reconciliation amidst profound grief.

In the film's climax, Billy takes the bowling ball tied to the tragic events and rolls it down the sidewalk. This act serves as a cathartic release and symbolizes his processing of the heavy burdens of their family's shared history.