Honeyboy

In 1995, Otis is portrayed as a young child actor living with his father James, a former rodeo clown with a troubled past involving substance abuse and violent tendencies. James is aggressive, manic, and unpredictable, creating a tense environment for Otis. Otis is part of the Big Brother program, seeking connection outside his tumultuous home.

James attends an AA meeting where he reveals his history of abuse, drug use, and an attempted rape while blacked out, leading to his registration as a sex offender. This past marks him as a volatile and dangerous figure in Otis's life, contributing to Otis’s understanding of his father's troubled background.

Otis works as a child actor in 1995 and is accompanied on set by his father. Despite his fame, Otis seeks normalcy and friendship, as evidenced by his desire to spend time with Tom from the Big Brother program. Meanwhile, James's unpredictable behavior escalates during social interactions.

During a barbecue, James violently throws Tom into a pool and threatens him, revealing his aggressive nature. This incident underscores the unstable environment Otis lives in and foreshadows further violence and conflict.

Otis is offered a role in a film shooting in Canada. His mother expresses concern about James being a registered sex offender and not being able to accompany Otis, causing tension and communication breakdowns between Otis's parents.

James continues to struggle with addiction and his past, attending alcoholics anonymous meetings and recounting his abusive experiences and criminal history. His alcoholism and erratic behavior contribute to Otis’s tumultuous upbringing.

Otis confronts James about needing a better relationship, which leads to James violently beating Otis. This act of brutality underscores the ongoing cycle of violence and neglect Otis faces, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Otis attempts to escape his reality by spending time with the Shy Girl and engaging in rebellious acts, such as masturbating with her and giving her money. These moments highlight his desire for comfort and connection amid chaos.

In 2005, Otis is in rehab after a car crash and a violent altercation with police. He resists therapy, but his counselor Dr. Moreno suggests he explore his past to understand his PTSD better, hinting at his internal struggles.

Otis resists therapy, but with advice from his counselor Alec, he begins to confront his emotions, including going into the woods and screaming to release anger. He works on controlling his feelings and understanding his trauma.

Throughout both timelines, Otis maintains a fragile relationship with the Shy Girl, sharing intimate moments and expressing vulnerability. Their bond offers Otis a rare sense of comfort amid family chaos.

In 2005, Otis imagines his father in a rodeo clown costume and envisions making a movie about him, symbolizing his desire to understand and redefine his troubled relationship with his father and his own identity.

Otis rides away on James's motorcycle, symbolizing a rite of passage and a step toward independence. This moment signifies Otis's attempt to leave behind his past trauma and find his own path.