Firstborn

In the Spring of 1984, fifteen-year-old Jake Livingston witnesses a Chevy Blazer pulling into his driveway. To his surprise, he sees his mother giving a kiss goodnight to the unknown man driving the vehicle, leaving Jake unsettled and curious about who he is.

The next morning, we see a glimpse of the brothers' typical lives. Eleven-year-old Brian plays with a stolen battery-operated device while Jake navigates through daily school activities with his friends, including his girlfriend Lisa and his history teacher Mr. Rader.

Jake and Brian have a dinner with their father Alan, who announces he’s getting married to Joanne. While the boys congratulate their father, they feel a mix of emotions, especially after their mother returns home visibly sad, highlighting the changes in their family dynamic.

Jake begins to feel suspicious of Sam, the stranger in their home. His instincts tell him something is off as he observes Sam trying to connect with them but struggling to gain their trust.

After a series of concerning events, Jake searches through his mother's bedroom to uncover the truth. He discovers various substances including marijuana and cocaine, confirming his fears that Sam is not good for their family.

Tensions escalate as Jake confronts Sam about his behavior in the house. Following an argument where Jake calls Sam out on his manipulative ways, violence erupts, leaving Jake unsettled and feeling unsafe at home.

Frustrated by his home life, Jake takes out his anger on a fellow student during recess. His behavior leads to conflicts at school, showcasing the impact of his chaotic home environment.

Overwhelmed by her life's changes, Wendy becomes increasingly disheveled and neglectful. At a meeting with Brian's principal due to his recent fight at school, Jake steps in to protect their family image, revealing the burden he's carrying.

Jake observes the escalating violence between Sam and Wendy after hitting his mother. Realizing that Sam’s behavior is abusive, Jake decides enough is enough and confronts him, leading to a fight.

After a confrontation with Sam, Jake finds a stash of cocaine hidden in the house. In a desperate attempt to protect his family, he hides the drugs in a nearby construction site, hoping to rid his home of Sam's influence.

In a wild turn of events, a furious Sam chases Jake across town, revealing his drug-fueled rage. The chase culminates in a tense moment where Jake barely escapes, feeling as though he has lost control of the situation.

After a climactic confrontation between Jake and Sam, Wendy is pushed to her limits and finally stands up for herself. During a violent encounter, the boys come together to defend themselves, leading to Sam being ousted from their home.

The family copes with the aftermath of the traumatic events. Jake and Brian are relieved to see Sam gone, as their mother begins the long path toward reclaiming her life and her role as a parent.

With Sam out of the picture, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Livingston family. Wendy starts addressing her personal issues, and Jake and Brian become more resilient in the face of their family's struggles.