Red Dirt

Griffith has spent his life in Pine Apple, barefoot on red dirt and tracing epitaphs on headstones. He was orphaned when his parents drowned in the river, and he was raised by his eccentric Aunt Summer and Uncle Charlie. The unusual household and Griffith's restlessness set the stage for a life he might one day try to escape.

The death of Lily Mae precedes the main action, leaving Griffith as the sole caregiver for his ailing aunt. Summer's agoraphobia and instability intensify the household dynamics, reinforcing Griffith's sense of entrapment. The tragedy deepens the broken family history that haunts Pine Apple.

Emily, Lynn Thomas's daughter and Griffith's cousin, becomes his closest confidante and a potential romantic partner. She does not want him to leave Pine Apple and pressures him to stay. The tension between duty and desire begins to drive his choices.

A Louisiana stranger named Lee Todd arrives and asks to stay in Lily Mae's cottage, offering to help Griffith finish painting. Griffith agrees, despite Summer and Emily's objections. The two men form a quick bond as they work and share stories.

Griffith and Lee complete a giant pincushion replica in Lily Mae's memory and mark a barn roof with Emily's name and phone number. Lee urges Griffith to leave Pine Apple and see the world, and Griffith agrees to consider leaving, making a blood oath with Lee.

Emily senses the closeness between Griffith and Lee and turns to Summer for support. The two women form an unlikely friendship as Summer confronts her past and encourages Emily to imagine a life beyond Pine Apple. The evolving dynamics underscore the looming choice Griffith faces.

Summer, urged by Emily, drives out along country roads and chances upon Lee and Griffith finishing the pincushion field. The sight triggers Summer's emotional closure and sets her on the path to recovery.

Lee tells Griffith they should leave for Texas soon, but Griffith asks for one more week to prepare. Summer gives him a cautious blessing, admitting guilt about Griffith's childhood but signaling support for his departure.

Emily confronts Griffith after learning about his plans with Lee and confesses that she loves him. Griffith tells her that love isn't enough to sway his decision, and he retreats, overwhelmed by conflicting loyalties.

Griffith confronts Lee about deception; Lee acknowledges that their bond has become more than friendship. Griffith denies the depth of his feelings and punches Lee when he tries to kiss him, then shuts himself away.

The next day, Summer reveals to Griffith that she is his real mother, answering years of questions. He initially struggles to accept the truth but eventually believes it, finding a reason to stay in Pine Apple.

Griffith sets fire to the giant pincushion, symbolically rejecting his urge to leave. He says a tearful goodbye to Summer and makes up with Emily before she leaves Pine Apple for New Orleans.

Lee unexpectedly returns and Griffith warmly receives him, though they avoid rehashing the past. As Lee is turning away to leave for the final time, Griffith musters the courage to admit that he loves him back and kisses him, then Lee drives him back to Summer's house.

Griffith decides to remain in Pine Apple with Summer, choosing belonging over escape. In the closing moment, he and Lee read a poem inscribed on Lily Mae's headstone to each other and part with the implication of keeping in touch.