Altered Minds

The film opens with Dr. Nathaniel Shellner, a 75-year-old psychiatrist, bedridden during a harsh winter in New Jersey. His physical state mirrors the emotional turmoil brewing within his family, setting the stage for the drama that unfolds.

As the winter chill envelops the family home, the Shellner family gathers to celebrate Dr. Shellner's contributions to helping war-torn refugees heal. This gathering is imbued with a sense of reverence for their patriarch's life and work, highlighting his role as a loving father and esteemed psychiatrist.

During the family gathering, Tommy, driven by deep-seated anger and confusion, makes a shocking accusation against Dr. Shellner. He claims that his father adopted him and his siblings as a means to use them in a sick psychological experiment, upending the family's perception of love and compassion.

Tommy's startling allegations send shockwaves through the Shellner family, creating a ripple effect of anger and disbelief. The family's long-held beliefs about their bonds of love are thrown into disarray, revealing cracks in their relationships.

As the night progresses, old grievances and suppressed resentments begin to surface among family members. The tension escalates as each individual reflects on their own experiences, leading to emotional confrontations and deepening divisions.

While the family fights over accusations and memories, Dr. Shellner's health unexpectedly deteriorates, adding urgency to the night’s events. His fragile state serves as a constant reminder of the high stakes involved in their emotional turmoil.

In the wake of Tommy's accusations, the family grapples with the possibility of tarnishing Dr. Shellner's once-revered legacy. Amidst the love and respect he had previously commanded, they must now consider his humanity and fallibility.

Tommy becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering 'evidence' to back his claims against Dr. Shellner. This quest not only exacerbates the family’s dysfunction but also highlights his desperation for truth amidst the turmoil.

As accusations and emotions swirl, the dynamics of the Shellner family shift dramatically. New alliances are formed, and longstanding rivalries come to the forefront, painting a complicated picture of loyalty and betrayal.

The unfolding drama forces each family member to confront their emotional truths head-on. The night culminates in raw exchanges and revelations that reshape their understanding of love, trust, and family ties.

As the events of the night reach a crisis point, family members reflect on the implications of Tommy's claims and their own pasts. This introspection prompts them to reassess the nature of their bonds and what it means to love unconditionally.

As dawn breaks, the family must face the aftermath of their emotional storm. The future of their relationships, as well as Dr. Shellner's legacy, hangs in the balance as they begin to rebuild or re-evaluate their connections.