Blue Ruin

Dwight Evans, a drifter, is living out of his battered blue Pontiac Bonneville in Delaware. He struggles to survive by scavenging for food and money, highlighting the depths of his despair and hardship.

Dwight finds out that Wade Cleland, the man who murdered his parents two decades ago, is due to be released from prison. This news sparks a determination in Dwight to confront his painful past and seek some form of resolution.

In an attempt to confront Wade, Dwight travels back to his hometown in Virginia. This journey marks a significant turn in his life, aimed at coping with the trauma that has haunted him for years.

Upon arriving in Virginia, Dwight visits a local gun shop but ends up buying a postcard instead of a firearm. He sends this postcard to his sister, Sam, showing his complicated emotional state.

In a moment of desperation, Dwight breaks into a truck to steal a gun. However, he fails to unlock it properly, demonstrating his increasing frustration and the lengths he is willing to go to find a weapon.

Dwight positions himself outside the prison as Wade is released, watching the Cleland family welcome him back. This moment underscores Dwight's fixation on confronting Wade and the emotional turmoil that drives him.

Following Wade to a local club, Dwight tracks him into the restroom and, fueled by past grievances, he fatally stabs Wade. This act of vengeance marks a pivotal moment in Dwight's journey, transforming him from a haunted victim to an avenger.

In the chaotic aftermath of the murder, Dwight slashes a tire on the Cleland's limousine before fleeing. In his hurry, he injures his hand and realizes his keys are lost inside the club, intensifying his panic.

Dwight commandeers the Clelands' limousine, where he unexpectedly finds teenage William still inside. Rather than harming him, Dwight shows mercy by letting William go, leading to a shocking revelation about their family ties.

After the murder, Dwight reunites with his sister, Sam, confessing what he has done. While she is initially shocked, she feels relief at Dwight's return, though the threat of the Clelands hangs over them.

Dwight realizes that the Clelands are likely plotting revenge without involving the police. As Sam flees with her daughters to protect them, Dwight chooses to stay, leading to a tense standoff.

Wade's brothers, Teddy and Carl, arrive at Dwight's home, culminating in a confrontation that ends with Dwight accidentally running over Teddy, taking a drastic step in his violent quest for vengeance.

At Ben's property, Dwight interrogates a wounded Teddy, uncovering shocking truths about the past. Just as violence seems inevitable, Ben intervenes and shoots Teddy, changing the course of events once again.

Dwight prepares to attack the Cleland family home, stripping it of firearms and leaving a message about Teddy's demise. His resolve solidifies as he learns the Clelands intend to hunt his sister down.

In a violent confrontation at the Cleland residence, Dwight and William discover they are half-brothers amidst the chaos. This revelation brings an emotional complexity to their conflict, leading to further tragedy.

Wounded and succumbing to his injuries in the Cleland residence, Dwight reflects on the chaos of his actions, muttering about the lost car keys. His fate serves as a haunting reminder of the cycle of violence.

The day following the tragic events, a postcard from Virginia arrives in Sam's mailbox. This postcard symbolizes an eerie closure to the emotional turmoil and violence that has defined Dwight's journey.