My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done

Detective Havenhurst and his partner, Detective Vargas, receive an urgent call and rush to the scene of a shocking murder. Upon arrival, they navigate through the onlookers and spot Brad McCullum leaving the area with a coffee cup, raising their suspicions about him.

Inside the McCullum residence, Detectives Havenhurst and Vargas discover the lifeless body of Mrs. McCullum, who has been brutally stabbed. The detectives take note of the key witnesses present, Mrs. Roberts and her daughter, as they begin piecing together the events surrounding the murder.

The Roberts family learns that Brad has been acting strangely since his recent trip to Peru. This leads to flashbacks that illustrate Brad preparing for a kayaking expedition, setting the tone for his erratic behavior following a traumatic incident.

In the present day, the police receive reports that Brad has taken two hostages in a house across the street. The escalating situation prompts the authorities to surround the location, intensifying the sense of urgency and danger.

Brad's fiancée, Ingrid, arrives at the scene and reveals heartbreaking details about Brad's past. She recounts the tragic kayaking incident in which all of his friends drowned, illustrating how Brad was spared after seemingly hearing divine instructions not to participate.

In a series of flashbacks, the audience is taken through intimate moments shared between Brad and Ingrid, showcasing their deep relationship. These heartfelt encounters highlight the complexities of their bond against the backdrop of escalating tensions.

Amid the hostage crisis, Brad makes an unusual demand for pizza while holding his captives, further indicating his unstable state of mind. Tension builds as he also requests an escape vehicle to Mexico, complicating matters for the authorities.

Flashbacks take viewers to Brad's rehearsals for a Greek tragedy, where the significance of the antique sword becomes integral to the unfolding storyline. In this environment, Brad's troubled psyche is further developed, revealing his connection to the horrific events.

Another flashback reveals Brad's visit to his Uncle Ted's ostrich farm, where he persuades his uncle to give him the antique sword. This pivotal moment illustrates how the sword becomes a catalyst in the events that follow.

As rehearsals continue, Brad's downward spiral intensifies, leading to his expulsion from the production. This turning point signifies a shift in his life and foreshadows the chaotic events that will arise from his deteriorating mindset.

With the hostage situation escalating, a SWAT team is called in to take control. The urgency and seriousness of the situation lead the detectives to strategize with Ingrid and Lee to ensure the safety of the hostages and bring the situation to a resolution.

In flashbacks, the audience sees a lighter side of Brad, including a playful outing in Tijuana with Ingrid. These moments of levity juxtapose the present chaos and delve into the complexities of Brad's character, showcasing layers beyond his current turmoil.

Detective Havenhurst conducts an interview with Miss Roberts, a witness to the murder. Through her account, flashbacks reveal unsettling moments leading up to the crime, including a disturbing incident where Brad attempted to smother his mother with a pillow, hinting at his troubled state.

In a moment of dark humor, Brad confronts his hostages, who are actually his beloved pet flamingos. The bizarre situation underscores his instability as negotiators attempt to convince him to surrender and release the birds.

The SWAT team successfully apprehends Brad, bringing the hostage crisis to an end. As he is taken away, the film contrasts this moment with shots of running ostriches, culminating in a poignant closing image that reflects the cyclical nature of life.