The Connection

The film begins with Tobias Toby Hammel at the airport, where he notices a pretty girl on an escalator. He introduces himself narratively, revealing that at seventeen years old, he is a scholarship student who has become entangled in a drug ring, highlighting the precarious situation he's in.

Three months prior, Toby arrives at Sage Hall, feeling like an outsider among the wealthy students. His narration reflects the disparity between his life and that of his affluent peers, accentuated by his family's recent struggles due to their past.

Toby's mother, Ingrid, receives the news of his scholarship acceptance, which he had assumed was unattainable. Although Toby resists initially, Ingrid's hopes for a better future lead him to reluctantly register at Sage Hall.

Toby arrives late to the opening ceremony and is humiliated when he struggles to sign the honor code pledge. This embarrassing moment marks his first significant interaction with the other students, setting the stage for his outsider status.

After the ceremony, Toby befriends Fidel, a fellow outsider who empathizes with his struggles. Their friendship highlights their shared desire for acceptance at a school where they both feel like misfits.

To fit in, Toby decides to help his new acquaintances procure marijuana. This decision begins his descent into the world of drugs, reflecting his desperation to find a place among his peers.

After being caught with drugs, Toby faces suspension, much to his mother's disappointment. Upon returning to school, he finds that the incident has ironically elevated his status among students.

Toby begins to embrace his role as a drug dealer, gaining popularity among the elitist students. However, this newfound acceptance comes at a cost, leading him further into danger.

Toby travels to Colombia with Fidel to acquire cocaine, deepening his involvement in the drug trade. This trip showcases his transformation from an outsider to a willing participant in drug trafficking.

After successfully procuring cocaine in Colombia, Toby returns to the U.S. and introduces the drugs to his friends. This moment solidifies his role as a drug supplier and his increasing moral decay.

While in Colombia, Toby discovers a plot to kidnap Alex for ransom, showcasing the violent reality of the drug world he has become part of. This revelation shatters his naive perception of his drug dealer acquaintances.

After evading detection, Toby is ultimately arrested by DEA agents upon his return home. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of his reckless decisions and the unraveling of his life.

Toby faces serious charges in court as the media descends on his story, highlighting the mixed fates of his peers and the fallout from his actions. His mother grapples with the reality of her son's choices amidst the public scrutiny.

As the repercussions of Toby's actions unfold, friendships dissolve and lives are irrevocably changed. The film explores the tragic outcomes for Toby's friends, including Laura's devastating suicide.

In his final moments of reflection, Toby acknowledges the pain his choices have caused and his enduring sense of alienation. With a sense of finality, he accepts the irreversible consequences of his past.