And Then I Go

Edwin and his closest companion, Flake, navigate the challenging waters of junior high school, facing relentless bullying and deep-rooted feelings of isolation. While Edwin is characterized by his quiet sensitivity, Flake’s personality is marked by impulsivity and emotional outbursts. They endure immense pressure from both their peers and authority figures, including faculty members and their own parents, who mistakenly believe they are to blame for the turmoil they face. The truth, however, is that these boys are victims of bullying, with the conflict skewed heavily against them.

Edwin’s parents, particularly his father, often dismiss his struggles as typical teenage angst—until a meeting with the vice principal compels them to reconsider their stance. As their friendship develops, Flake reveals his father’s gun collection during an afterschool gathering and provocatively suggests the idea of retaliating against their tormentors. Edwin, feeling a strong sense of loyalty to his childhood friend, hesitantly agrees to entertain this dangerous notion.

Amidst this turmoil, Edwin’s artistic talent catches the eye of his art teacher, who encourages him to participate in an upcoming art competition. He is approached by two classmate girls expressing admiration for his skills, which momentarily boosts his self-esteem despite Flake’s mocking remarks. Yet, even as Edwin begins to feel a sense of belonging and potential, Flake remains relentless in focusing on their revenge plot, and both boys continue to be victimized.

A violent confrontation between the two friends results in Edwin returning home injured and in tears. Surprisingly, this period of non-contact helps Edwin find some emotional stability. However, a troubling encounter with a man and his son brings Edwin back to a place of distress, as he experiences aggression firsthand when he tries to reclaim his younger brother Gus’s toy ball. This incident further fuels Edwin’s desire for retribution. Reuniting, Flake and Edwin delve deeper into their explosive plans for revenge, especially after encountering an acquaintance, Herman, who also suffers bullying.

Herman’s plea—that “Someone’s got to do something”—and his expressed desire for a weapon spark concern in Edwin, yet Flake insists that Herman should join their scheme. As the crucial day of their school assembly draws near, Edwin faces an internal conflict as his mother unexpectedly plans a family trip, intending to reconnect with him. Stranded between loyalty to Flake and the warmth of his family, Edwin finds himself overwhelmed by guilt and hesitation.

On the eve of the assembly, as Edwin watches over his beloved younger brother, the boys prepare to execute their plan. The day unfolds with Edwin wishing his father well before he and Flake head to school, where he is instructed on the final steps of their scheme. However, when the moment of truth arrives, Flake acts without mercy, unleashing gunfire on their classmates, while Edwin stands paralyzed with dread, unable to pull the trigger. Chaos erupts, and in a tragic turn, Flake is shot dead by the police in his frantic attempts to reload his weapon.

In the aftermath, Edwin is left to grapple with the sorrow of his actions as he reflects on happier times spent with his family at the lake. The film closes with Edwin reminiscing about a joyful experience, saying, > “Good for you, kid. Good for you.” This poignant moment underscores the deeply conflicted journey of a young boy whose struggle between belonging and violence ultimately leads to heartbreaking consequences.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:42