Homecoming

The film opens with Shelby driving at night, crying and smoking, when she drops the cigarette and unexpectedly hits someone who steps into her path. The crash sets off a chain of tense consequences for everyone involved. The immediate aftermath hints at Shelby's unstable state and the severity of the incident.

Mike and Elizabeth prepare to travel to Mt. Bliss for the memorial of Mike's jersey retirement, while Shelby contends with money problems over the bowling alley she inherited from her mother. The financial strain adds pressure to Shelby's already fragile relationship with Mike. Elizabeth remains oblivious to the looming danger as the day unfolds.

After the football game, Mike and Elizabeth go to Shelby's bowling alley where Shelby approaches and kisses him. Mike rebuffs her, stating that he has a new girlfriend, Elizabeth. The moment deepens Shelby's fixation on Mike and foreshadows the conflict to come.

Shelby befriends Elizabeth and, after a few tequila shots, Elizabeth decides to meet Mike's parents for a good first impression. They discover that motels are scarce due to the homecoming festivities, and Elizabeth ends up being driven toward the nearest available motel by Mike's policeman cousin Billy. The plan to make a perfect impression spirals into a night of uncertainty.

While Elizabeth searches for a ride, Shelby slows down in tears and accidentally hits Elizabeth with her own car. Shelby impulsively takes Elizabeth home and begins tending to her injuries with medical supplies from her late mother. The hit-and-run becomes the catalyst for the dangerous game Shelby will play.

The next morning, Mike tries to call Elizabeth but only reaches voicemail. Elizabeth wakes up at Shelby's house, confused about what happened. Shelby fabricates a cover story, claiming she found Elizabeth as a hit-and-run victim and even sedates her to keep her quiet.

Elizabeth explores Shelby's home and uncovers disturbing photos of Shelby and Mike, hinting at a hidden history. Shelby returns and discovers Elizabeth has been in her room, leading to a harsh punishment where she dislocates Elizabeth's bad foot. The tension between captor and captive escalates as trust erodes.

Mike and Billy search for Elizabeth and learn that she never checked into the motel; they discover Elizabeth's car is missing and later locate it in Shelby's barn. Shelby seizes the opportunity to manipulate events and even contemplates giving a gift she intends to pass off as Mike's. The psychological grip Shelby holds over Elizabeth tightens.

Back at the bar, Shelby spots Mike and they share a passionate kiss, but Mike states he cannot cheat on Elizabeth. He leaves Shelby in the bathroom, leaving her longing and increasingly desperate. The moment underscores Mike's commitment to Elizabeth and Shelby's growing obsession.

Elizabeth uncovers damning evidence in the bathroom, including Polaroid photos of Shelby's mother dying and a form suggesting no autopsy was performed. Realizing the danger she faces, Elizabeth frantically searches for a way out and uses a screwdriver to pry the door open. The discovery confirms Shelby's murderous intent.

Elizabeth escapes the bathroom and heads toward the barn, where she finds her locked car. She accidentally triggers the car alarm, and Shelby swiftly pursues, subduing her once more. Shelby then grabs the jacket keys from the pocket, tightening her control over Elizabeth.

During the growing confrontation, Billy arrives to help and is killed by Shelby, who strikes him with an axe and burns his body in a barrel. The brutal act demonstrates Shelby's willingness to kill to protect her secrets. The body is disposed of in a way that stuns Mike and Elizabeth.

At the high school ceremony, Mike notices Elizabeth's initials on his jacket and realizes Shelby has stolen the jacket, connecting the dots to Elizabeth's disappearance. He rushes to Shelby's house to find Elizabeth and confront Shelby. The revelation raises the stakes for the impending confrontation.

Inside Shelby's home, Elizabeth locks eyes with Shelby as a brutal confrontation erupts. Mike intervenes and a struggle ensues, with Elizabeth using Mike's football helmet to gain the upper hand. Mike then carries Elizabeth out, finally breaking Shelby's grip on them.

The film ends with a home video showing Shelby and Mike kissing and laughing about turning off the camera, followed by a final close-up on Shelby's eyes opening, revealing she is still alive. The twist leaves Shelby's fate open and hints at unseen consequences.