Dreamland

In the 1930s, Eugene Evans lives with his family in a drought-stricken town in Texas. Dust storms ravage the area, highlighting the harsh realities of their existence.

When Eugene is just five years old, his father abandons the family, leaving Eugene and his mother to cope with the loss. This event profoundly impacts Eugene's childhood and his relationship with male figures in his life.

Growing up in a difficult environment, Eugene spends his days stealing dime novels alongside his best friend Joseph. They often fantasize about a different life far removed from their harsh reality.

During a town meeting, the sheriff shows a wanted poster for a bank robber named Allison Wells. She is wanted for $10,000 on charges of bank robbery and murder, sparking the curiosity of Eugene and Joseph who decide to look for her.

Eugene sneaks to the barn one night and encounters Allison, who is wounded and holding a revolver. The two strike a deal: Eugene will help her in exchange for the truth about her past.

Allison recounts the day of the bank robbery, revealing how a stray bullet killed an innocent girl and led to her being shot in the leg. Eugene is horrified by the tragic events she describes.

Allison offers Eugene $20,000 to help her escape to Mexico. Eugene is torn between helping her and his own morals, but ultimately agrees to assist her in getting a vehicle.

Eugene takes Allison to a nearby swimming hole to help her feel free. Their brief moment of joy is cut short when they are nearly caught by the property owner, forcing them to flee back to the barn.

At the town dance, Eugene overhears his stepfather George discussing evidence against Allison. Driven by curiosity, he breaks into the evidence room to uncover the truth about her accomplice, Perry, who committed murder during the robbery.

George discovers a piece of clothing belonging to Allison and reports it to the sheriff. Accusations fly, and George is fired, resulting in a conflict between him and Eugene about their situation and their home.

Eugene and Allison decide to leave town together in George's family truck. Despite her initial denial of affection, Eugene is determined to find his father in Mexico, and they share an intimate moment in a hotel.

In desperate need of money, Eugene and Allison rob a bank, with Eugene holding hostages while Allison raids the tellers. The robbery turns deadly when Eugene shoots a hostage who threatens Allison.

As they attempt to flee, Eugene feels compelled to walk away into the woods, grappling with his choices. George and his posse catch up to them, leading to a tragic confrontation where Allison is shot.

As Allison lays dying, Eugene kneels by her side, and George orders his men to lower their weapons. In a moment of desperation, Eugene shoots George before fleeing with his sister Phoebe, who narrates the heart-wrenching aftermath.

Eugene speeds away from the scene with Phoebe hidden in the truck. The family never sees him again, leaving a lasting impact on their lives and a haunting memory of the events that transpired.