Heart of America

The final day at Riverside High School opens with multiple problems simmering beneath the surface. Principal Harold Lewis contemplates disciplining English teacher William Pratt for letting his frustrations affect his work. An undercurrent of personal and institutional tension threatens to derail the day.

In the principal's office, Harold Lewis confronts William Pratt about allowing his professional frustrations to undermine his teaching. He warns Pratt that proper discipline and control are required on a day already fraught with tension. The meeting signals the limits of authority as a wider storm brews outside.

Guidance counselor Vanessa Jones tries to reach troubled student Wex Presley, whose drug dealing endangers classmates. She searches for a path that might keep him from violence while highlighting consequences he cannot ignore. The scene establishes the ongoing struggle to intervene before violence erupts.

Karen Lewis, the principal's daughter, deals with relationship issues as her boyfriend Tommy Bruno becomes distant. The personal drama adds to the day’s tension and foreshadows conflicts that will collide with the shooting. Their dynamic mirrors the broader climate of teenage discontent at the school.

Dara McDermott struggles with cravings for drugs, a desperation that pushes her toward dangerous choices. Her escalating need makes her open to participating in the planned violence as a means of escaping pain. This craving intersects with the school's volatile environment.

Pregnant student Robin Walters argues with her boyfriend Kevin Rhodes about future options. Their conflict illustrates the uncertainty and pressure weighing on students on the last day. The couple's tension adds to the emotional stakes at Riverside High.

Two bullied students, Daniel Lynne and Barry Shultz, decide to shoot up the school, driven by years of torment. Barry wavers, while Daniel remains determined, and they begin to map out a plan. They initiate actions that will alter everyone’s lives.

On the last day, Dara spontaneously joins Daniel as the plan moves toward execution. The trio’s presence heightens the threat as the school’s atmosphere deteriorates into chaos. Dara’s participation marks a chilling escalation of the violence.

Daniel confronts his past tormentors—Paul, Ricky, and Jeff—and kills them in the hallways. The violence triggers a wider panic as teachers and students try to take cover. The school’s corridors become a deadly arena on the last day.

During the shooting, Kevin Rhodes is killed when he and Robin come into the line of fire; Robin survives. Daniel feels a pang of regret even as the carnage continues. The day’s losses mount as chaos spreads through the school.

Dara walks into her English class and shoots Mr. Pratt, ending the teacher’s tenure and catalyzing the day’s climax. The classroom becomes a crime scene as fear and shock ripple through the students. The school’s stability collapses in an instant.

Donny Pritzee subdues Dara and hands her over to the police. The school clutches at some sense of control as more facts come to light. The immediate violence begins to wind down, though the damage remains.

Barry Shultz walks away from the school, having bailed out on the attack. He believes there are other ways to respond to the abuse he and Daniel endured. His departure underscores the divide between escaping the cycle and perpetuating it.

A final gunshot rings out as Daniel Lynne ends his life, ending the immediate violence. The act completes his tragic arc from bullied youth to violent avenger. The school reels from the scale of the damage on the last day.

A reporter informs the public of the shooting and Daniel’s suicide, revealing the scope of youth violence. The camera lingers on the shocked faces of Barry's and Daniel's parents as the broadcast closes with a list of major incidents. The film closes on a grim note about the cost of violence.