December Boys

The four boys from the Roman Catholic orphanage, Maps, Misty, Spark, and Spit, arrive at the beach for a holiday stay with Mr. and Mrs. McAnsh. This marks the beginning of a transformative Christmas holiday filled with new experiences and emotional challenges.

During their stay, the boys encounter a local daredevil named Fearless and his wife Teresa. While the younger boys quickly form a bond with Teresa, Maps feels distant, sparking different emotional connections among them.

Maps finds solace away from the group, sneaking off to enjoy private moments with an older girl named Lucy. Their time together at a secluded spot illustrates Maps' internal struggles with the familial bonds he yearns for.

The boys, driven by curiosity, peek into Fearless' house and spot Teresa disrobing. Misty's devout nature leads him to create a distraction, but he inadvertently discovers Mrs. McAnsh's struggle with breast cancer, adding layers to their understanding of family and love.

Misty overhears Fearless discussing the possibility of adopting one of them, sparking excitement among the boys. However, Maps remains skeptical and indifferent towards the idea of having parents, illustrating his complex character.

As the other boys discover the adoption plan, tensions rise among them. Misty, who has retained the secret, finds himself pressured to share the news, leading to competition and jealousy regarding who will be chosen.

Maps enjoys a romantic moment with Lucy, who declares him her first love. Their connection is short-lived, however, as she returns to her life, leaving Maps heartbroken and more disconnected from the others.

Driven by betrayal after discovering Fearless is not the daring rider he claimed to be, Maps confronts him about his deception. This encounter leads to Maps destroying a painting created by Misty, fracturing their friendship.

Fearless finds Maps in a cave at Remarkable Rocks and shares deeply personal stories about his past and his wife's struggles with infertility. This moment of vulnerability helps Maps begin to understand the complicated nature of family and love.

During a life-threatening situation, Misty falls into the sea, and despite his inability to swim, Maps jumps in to save him. This act of bravery leads to a spiritual vision that deepens their bond and highlights their friendship.

The day after the rescue, Fearless and Teresa announce their intention to adopt Misty, creating a moment filled with hope. However, Misty realizes that his true family is with the other boys, choosing to stay with them instead.

Decades later, an older Misty returns to the beach with Maps' ashes and Lucy's ring, symbolizing unending connections to their bittersweet past. This act serves as a poignant reminder of their childhood and shared experiences.

Misty meets with Spark and Spit, and together they honor their memories by scattering Maps' ashes alongside Lucy's ring. This moment of remembrance emphasizes the enduring bonds of friendship and the memories they created together.

The boys celebrate their cherished moments as 'The December Boys,' reflecting on how their experiences shaped them. The beach becomes a symbol of their shared journey, love, and the complexities of growing up.