Last Day of Summer

Gregory Wilks, who prefers to be called Joe, is introduced as a clumsy worker at a burger joint. His daily routine involves enduring constant bullying and humiliating tasks, which he tries to dismiss as a normal part of life.

Joe faces severe hazing from his boss, Mr. Krolick, who subjects him to degrading tasks such as cleaning toilets and dismissing his feelings about his life. The relentless nature of this abuse sets the tone for Joe's struggles with self-worth.

After a particularly humiliating ordeal, Joe is fired by Mr. Krolick, further crushing his already fragile self-esteem. This event marks a turning point for Joe, pushing him towards drastic actions he had only contemplated in his mind.

In a fit of frustration and hopelessness, Joe buys a handgun known as 'The Junior' and rents a motel room. He records a menacing video message intended for those who have tormented him, indicating his desire for revenge.

Joe returns to the burger joint with intentions of carrying out a shooting. However, when the moment arrives, he lacks the courage to follow through and retreats instead to the bathroom, showcasing his inner turmoil and conflict.

Joe notices Stefanie, a patron at the burger joint, and misinterprets her brief glance towards him as interest. His frustration peaks as he awkwardly tries to engage with her, culminating in a violent outburst where he threatens her with his gun.

While Joe threatens Stefanie, unaware of their situation, Mr. Krolick informs the police about the bullets Joe dropped. However, the police dismiss his concerns, which further escalates Joe's feelings of isolation and desperation.

Joe takes a terrified Stefanie to his motel room, tying her up in the bathtub. Despite her struggles and attempts to plead for her freedom, Joe's emotional state and intention remain unclear to both of them during this tense situation.

After a series of conflicted moments, Joe and Stefanie share a joint, momentarily easing the tension between them. This leads to a vulnerable conversation where they begin to understand each other’s trauma, hinting at a bond that is developing.

As they continue to talk, Stefanie reveals she remembers a humiliating incident involving Joe from high school, which causes him to snap. This revelation highlights Joe's history of embarrassment and the torment he carries with him.

Stefanie's attitude towards Joe shifts from fear to empathy as she realizes he is not truly dangerous. She helps him with his injured hand, and they share more of their backstories, further bridging the gap between captor and captive.

Realizing Joe's intentions have shifted and sensing his change in demeanor, Stefanie convinces him that they should leave the motel together. The moment symbolizes Joe's understanding that he does not have to succumb to his darker impulses.

As Joe disposes of his gun, he meets Mr. Krolick outside the burger joint. In a cathartic release, Joe confronts his former boss, standing up for himself and finally taking charge of his narrative, leaving Krolick in a state of emotional breakdown.

After confronting his bullies and disposing of the weapon, Joe concludes that he is ready to move on from his troubled past. He acknowledges through a voiceover that his life does not suck, suggesting a newfound confidence and sense of self.