Dangerous Child

The film opens with Sally Cambridge being arrested on suspicion of child abuse. While she is questioned, she begins recounting the events as flashbacks, revealing how a quiet family life unraveled. The arrest frames the story as her testimony guides the audience through what actually happened.

A call to Jack's basketball coach reveals he has been suspended for two weeks due to poor grades, a fact Sally did not know. She confronts Jack about his dangerous behavior and secretive actions. The moment signals that deeper problems are straining the mother-son relationship.

Sally tries to talk to Jack about his growing problems, but he angrily orders her out and shoves her aside. The confrontation foreshadows the escalating tension and potential volatility in the household. The moment marks a point of no return in their relationship.

While hanging out with his friend Luke, Jack is arrested for shoplifting at the mall. Sally questions him afterwards, but he erupts, smashing a glass in frustration. The incident exposes Jack's out-of-control state and its consequences.

Sally goes on a date with Frank, but Jack is openly rude when Frank arrives to pick up Sally. He shouts and pushes Sally aside, highlighting the break in trust and respect between mother and son. The moment deepens the family's emotional rift.

A few nights later, Jack leaves Leo alone to attend a party, prompting Sally to ground him for a month and contact Luke's mother. A confrontation escalates into a physical fight; Sally slaps Jack, and he punches back, slicing his hand on a window. The incident crystallizes the family's violence problem.

Another night brings Frank to dinner, but Jack's behavior remains hostile. A tense after-dinner discussion draws a police visit, with both Sally and Jack insisting nothing is wrong. The visit underscores the severity of the underlying conflict.

The next day Leo discovers Gus, the family cat, with a broken leg after visiting the vet. Later, Jack is found crying in his room, repeatedly apologizing to Gus. The moment reveals Jack's emotional vulnerability and growing guilt.

Sally seeks advice at a women's shelter, where a counselor suggests an order of protection against Jack. She ultimately goes to Brad's office to discuss the night's events, but Brad blames her for losing control and takes custody of the boys. The custody shift intensifies the family turmoil.

Jack returns home to apologize to his mother, but finds Sally embracing Frank, triggering another violent confrontation. Leo follows his brother and tries to intervene, but is pushed and unintentionally strikes his head. The family crisis reaches a dangerous peak.

After Sally's arrest, she is brought to the hospital to see Leo, where Jack and Brad wait. Realizing the charges against his mother, Jack finally confesses to the officers and his father that he was responsible for the prior events. Sally is briefly released, and Jack is arrested for assault.

The prosecutor declines to drop Jack's charges, but offers a deferral if Sally and Brad file an at-risk youth petition. Jack would enter a treatment program and temporary foster care, while the parents undergo counseling. This sets the course for the family to seek structured help.

Brad begins taking responsibility for his own anger issues in group sessions, while Sally acknowledges that their sons have learned from their pattern. They agree to work together to get Jack the help he needs. The moment marks a turning point toward collective accountability.

In subsequent therapy, Jack realizes his violent outbursts were learned behavior from verbal abuse toward his mother. Sally confronts her own tendency to back down and avoid conflict, recognizing that escaping an abusive dynamic was necessary. The therapist clarifies Sally didn't fail at her marriage; she chose safety.

Jack admits his guilt and apologizes to his mother, who reassures him that they will both get the help they need. The family begins rebuilding with continued therapy and support, signaling a hopeful path forward. The film closes on a note of cautious, shared resilience.