Mean Creek

14-year-old George Tooney sets up a camera on the basketball court to record his free throw attempts. This moment marks the beginning of his journey intertwined with both basketball and his tumultuous interactions with others.

During his recording session, George is interrupted by timid Sam Merrick, who picks up George's camera. Feeling threatened and angry, George reacts violently by assaulting Sam, which sets the stage for further conflict.

Following the bullying incident, Sam confides in his older brother Rocky and his girlfriend Millie. They encourage him to rise above George’s aggression and support him in finding a way to address the bullying.

Rocky expresses his concerns about George to his friends Clyde and Marty, revealing George's notorious bullying reputation. They debate how to handle the situation, with differing views on how to confront George effectively.

The group devises a scheme to invite George to a fake birthday party for Sam. This plan includes a game of Truth or Dare at a local creek, aimed at embarrassing George as revenge for his bullying.

At George's house, the group encourages him while he is busy with his video diary. Despite his troubled nature, George is eager for social acceptance and willingly agrees to join them for the outing.

On the way to the creek, the friends stop at a convenience store where they come across Marty's obnoxious older brother. This encounter adds tension and a reminder of the underlying issues they are dealing with.

While on the boat, George attempts to connect with the group, revealing his struggles, including a learning disability. His vulnerability highlights his deep need for acceptance despite his previous bullying.

The group starts playing Truth or Dare, and George seems to enjoy the game at first. However, as the game progresses, tensions rise, especially as Marty’s patience begins to wear thin.

After George makes an insensitive comment, Marty's frustration overflows, leading him to disclose their secret plan to George. This breach of trust incites a heated confrontation culminating in George feeling betrayed.

A fight breaks out as George lashes out at the group, particularly targeting Marty and Clyde. In a turn of events, George ends up falling off the boat into the water, exposing his inability to swim.

As George struggles in the water, the others hesitate initially before jumping in to save him. Tragically, despite Millie's attempts to perform CPR, George succumbs to drowning.

In shock after George's death, the group decides to bury his body rather than report the accident to the police. Marty, fearing the incriminating evidence from the camera, insists on this course of action.

The group is overcome with guilt, and they later decide they must confess to the police about the incident. Simultaneously, Marty acts out of anger and desperation, leading to further escalating actions.

As the police conduct their investigation, they retrieve George's video camera, uncovering footage that reveals his dreams and struggles. The emotional weight of George's story impacts everyone involved.