Phenomenon

During his 37th birthday celebration at a bar, a ball of bright white light streaks from the sky and strikes George with a loud bang. He recovers quickly, but something inside him feels forever altered. The event goes unnoticed by others, who see only an ordinary night out.

In the days after the incident, George's mind rapidly absorbs vast amounts of information and he starts formulating revolutionary ideas. He discovers telekinesis and finds he no longer needs sleep, spending long nights reading multiple books. He senses a growing leap in his awareness while his friends remain puzzled.

He begins applying his gifts for the community by developing a powerful fertilizer and refining solar panel designs. He even predicts an earthquake without any tools, astonishing locals with his accuracy. These benevolent acts earn him cautious admiration from some and fear from others.

When Doc helps a sick Portuguese man, George learns the language in minutes and translates for medical professionals. He follows with a telekinetic rescue to save the man's young relative. These actions demonstrate both his intelligence and his willingness to help strangers.

George quietly engineers steps to bring Nate and Lace together, acting as matchmaker behind the scenes. They begin to see him as more than just a quirky neighbor. His involvement hints at a growing desire to belong within the town's human fabric.

While visiting Nate, George decodes and responds to a mysterious shortwave signal, prompting Nate to fear there may be a secret link to a nearby air force base. George shows curiosity but also a desire to protect those around him. The incident plants a seed of external concern about his abilities.

The townspeople grow wary of his powers, but Doc, Nate, and Lace offer steadfast support. George tries to be open about his abilities, testing boundaries and seeking acceptance. The community's tension reflects the fear and wonder his presence provokes.

He invites Lace to join him on a trip to UC Berkeley to meet seismologist Ringold about his earthquake prediction. The plan represents his attempt to validate his insights publicly. Lace remains cautious but curious about what his future holds.

The FBI takes George and Nate into custody over his code-breaking activities. He continues breaking codes and astonishes Dr. Nierdof by answering a series of difficult quizzes and exams, while demonstrating his telekinesis. The authorities begin to realize the depth of his abilities.

George is released after proving his intellect in tests, but the FBI insists Ringold keep him from Berkeley for safety reasons. The tension between scientific curiosity and public safety grows clearer. He contemplates the consequences of his discoveries and who gets to control them.

Returning to the local bar, George grows frustrated by persistent questions about his abilities and uses telekinesis to break a large mirror. The act signals a breaking point between him and the town's fear and curiosity. Lace's later visit offers a fragile moment of human connection.

George goes to the county fair to demonstrate his powers and ease the town's fears. The crowd grows feverish, some romanticizing his supposed healing powers and others demanding proof. He is knocked to the ground and loses consciousness after seeing the flashing lights again.

George wakes up in a hospital to learn he has a brain tumor. Dr. Wellin explains there is only a slim chance of survival and that surgery would be invasive. George refuses the operation, choosing to continue his work, and he is declared mentally unfit and held against his will.

George escapes from the hospital and spends intimate final days with Nate and Lace. The FBI returns, but Lace pleads for them to let him die in peace. In their quiet embrace, George whispers that ‘It's happening’ as his life comes to an end.

Professor Ringold arrives at Lace's house, only to learn that he is too late to meet George. Lace submits George's research materials to Ringold so he can finish the breakthroughs George had begun. Ringold understands the magnitude of the town's loss and the limits of time.