Julien Donkey-Boy

In a bustling New York City park, Julien's innocence leads him to become fascinated by a group of turtles. He approaches a young boy playing nearby, eager to claim one as his pet, but is met with rejection, which sends him spiraling into a moment of violence.

Overwhelmed by disappointment and mental turmoil, Julien commits a shocking act by strangling the young boy in a fit of rage. In a frantic attempt to cover his tracks, he hurriedly buries the boy's body in the mud, desperately pleading for forgiveness from above.

Julien returns to a suffocating home environment filled with emotional turbulence. His father, a stern German patriarch, dominates the household with drunken tales of glory while aligning himself with abusive tendencies toward Julien and his brother Chris.

Chris finds himself grappling with the oppressive weight of his father's expectations and harsh training methods. Despite his dreams of becoming a wrestler, Chris endures physical and emotional abuse, leaving him emotionally scarred and fighting for self-identity.

In a confusing twist of love, their father insists that Chris don their deceased mother's wedding dress for a dance, reflecting his warped understanding of affection. The family's grief over the mother lingers heavily in their everyday lives, complicating their relationships.

Julien seeks solace as a teacher's aide at a school for the blind, where he finds moments of reprieve amid his chaotic mind. Here, he channels his fears and imagines conversations with historical figures like Adolf Hitler, showcasing his struggle with deep-seated mental health issues.

Julien's sister Pearl, who is pregnant, plays a curious role in his life by occasionally impersonating their mother during phone calls. This act serves to soothe his emotional pain, highlighting the family's complex dynamics shaped by their shared loss.

Chris diligently practices his wrestling moves, often engaging Julien as an unwilling partner in these makeshift bouts. This dynamic adds tension to their relationship, as Chris battles his father's expectations while Julien struggles in his mental maze.

During a visit to a local Baptist church, Julien is deeply moved by the resonant sermon. The words echo within him, significantly influencing his emotional state in the ensuing days and adding layers to his psychological challenges.

Pearl and Julien share a fleeting moment of joy at an indoor skating rink, where they indulge in laughter and fun. However, this ebullience is shattered when Pearl falls, leading to the heartbreaking loss of her unborn child, which devastates both siblings.

In the sorrowful aftermath of Pearl's tragic loss, Julien becomes obsessed with the idea of cradling the lifeless infant. His unyielding belief that he must hold onto the tiny being reveals the depths of his emotional turmoil as he faces his reality.

As Julien returns home on the bus, clutching the lifeless bundle, he retreats into the confines of his room. There, he wraps both himself and the infant in blankets, creating a sanctuary from the external world while whispering frantic prayers into the darkness.