Jamesy Boy

James Burns' tumultuous journey begins with his mother, Tracy, who faces considerable challenges trying to enroll him in school. With a troubled history and a recent stint in a youth detention center, her efforts are thwarted by multiple school rejections.

Amidst his struggles, James finds companionship in fellow outcasts, Crystal and Drew. Together, they form an unexpected friendship based on shared thrill-seeking activities, including shoplifting, which solidifies their bond during turbulent times.

Crystal takes James under her wing, introducing him to Roc, the enigmatic leader of their illicit group. She shares fascinating stories about him, igniting James's curiosity and desire to be part of this underground lifestyle.

James's rebellious nature surfaces when he deliberately disregards his house arrest curfew. Despite his mother's attempts to guide him toward a stable life, he chooses instead to indulge his newfound freedom.

After meeting Roc, James is welcomed into his inner circle and thrust into the chaos of crime. His role as a getaway driver for an armed robbery signifies his deeper involvement in a perilous and illicit lifestyle that challenges his moral compass.

When Roc and Drew find themselves in a dangerous predicament, James acts quickly to rescue them. This bold move earns him respect among the crew and strengthens his ties to the criminal world he is becoming entrenched in.

As James immerses himself in crime, he meets Sarah, a cashier with a respectable upbringing. Their innocent interactions spark a conflict within him, making him question his life choices and the path he is on.

James and Drew's mission to collect a debt at a local strip club goes awry when they are overpowered by bouncers. This misadventure highlights the dangers of their criminal lifestyle and begins to weigh heavily on James's conscience.

In a reckless bid to prove himself, James steals a duffel bag full of firearms from a parked car. This act draws Roc's ire, as it complicates their operations and places James in a precarious position within the crew.

Under pressure from Roc, James is coerced into selling the stolen firearms, leading to a disastrous gun deal that escalates into a violent shootout. This critical moment marks a turning point, highlighting the lethal stakes of his choices.

Faced with the collapse of his criminal life, James desperately implores Sarah to flee with him. When she chooses to remain tied to her family's business, James is left with no option but to surrender himself to the authorities.

Upon entering prison, James faces a harsh new environment where he quickly attracts the ire of violent inmates. He struggles to adapt, trying to find his place amidst the challenges he faces, including confrontations with Guillermo.

In the midst of prison's brutality, James discovers a passion for poetry, which becomes his escape from the relentless hardships. Through writing, he attempts to process his trauma and reach out to others, despite their initial resistance.

During his parole hearing, James expresses deep regret for his past actions and the consequences they've wrought. His candid acknowledgment of past mistakes opens the door to his release and potential pathway toward rehabilitation.

After his release, James seeks to reconnect with Sarah but finds her convenience store closed. Undeterred, he finds her at her new home, where they share a poignant exchange that signifies growth and hope for a brighter future.