Outside In

Chris is released from prison at the age of 38, after serving 20 years for murder. At a surprise party to celebrate, he reunites with Carol, his former high school teacher and confidant who had successfully fought for his release. They later meet up, and Chris abruptly hugs her and gives her a portrait he made of her. Carol suspects he has a crush on her, though her own feelings are complicated, as she is married with a teenage daughter.

After Carol urges him to try to meet and socialize with other women, Chris bikes over to her home and kisses her, confessing that he is in love with her. Despite their deep emotional connection, she insists they should try to be friends. Returning home, she goes to her husband Tom, who no longer sleeps in their bedroom, and tries to initiate sex, but he rejects her.

Chris goes over for breakfast at Carol’s, and he, she, and her daughter Hildy get along well, though the mood is spoiled by the arrival of Tom. Chris is frustrated by her limited time for him and that she is considering helping another convict get parole. In addition, Chris’s brother has remained friends with the man who committed the crime that he was convicted of. Chris also has difficulties finding a job.

Hildy becomes interested in Chris and befriends him. She is surprised to learn he holds her mother in such high esteem and that he credits her with helping him get through prison.

Chris asks Carol to spend one day with him where the two of them can be themselves. They go out to dinner and an arcade before going to a motel. They consummate their relationship and confess their love for one another. The following morning, leaving the motel, they are seen by Tom and Hildy. Tom attacks Chris, who kicks him in the shins before fleeing.

Hildy disappears and is later found by Carol with Chris’s help. Carol apologizes to her for not paying enough attention to her and prioritizing Chris. She says what happened between her and him was a one-time occurrence.

Tom moves out of the family home, Chris gets a job, and Hildy breaks into Chris and his brother’s home, where she leaves an art sculpture which he recognizes as a sign of forgiveness.

Carol goes to visit Chris and tells him that their goals seem incompatible as he wants a simple life and she now craves a more fulfilling one. Nevertheless, she asks him out for lunch, hoping they will get to know each other as they are in the present, to which Chris agrees.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 01:15