Sleepers

Lorenzo 'Shakes' Carcaterra and his friends navigate the tough environment of Hell's Kitchen in the mid-1960s. This area is characterized by a mix of immigrant cultures and a harsh reality filled with everyday violence and struggles.

As the boys face the challenges of their neighborhood, they find solace in the guidance of Father Bobby Carillo. He provides them with a moral compass while they serve as altar boys at the local church.

The boys begin to undertake small jobs for a local gangster known as King Benny. This involvement leads them deeper into the world of crime, which further complicates their youthful innocence.

The friends engage in lighthearted pranks, including sneaking into confession booths and creating peepholes in changing rooms. These small rebellions reflect their desire to escape the grim aspects of their lives.

In the summer of 1967, a prank intended for fun backfires catastrophically when an elderly man is injured during a stunt involving a hot dog vendor. This incident results in severe repercussions for the group, terminating their carefree childhood.

The group is sentenced to the Wilkinson Home for Boys as punishment for their actions. Their experiences in this juvenile facility turn dark and traumatic, clouding their youth with despair and pain.

Inside the juvenile facility, the boys are subjected to harsh treatment and abuse from the guards, particularly Sean Nokes. This cycle of violence creates unbreakable bonds while profoundly affecting their mental health.

While in the facility, Shakes shows a talent for English, which catches the attention of Mr. Carlson, the facility's teacher. This moment represents a glimmer of hope for Shakes amidst the bleakness of their situation.

The boys participate in the prison's annual football game, which momentarily lifts their spirits and unites them. However, their victory triggers a brutal retaliation, plunging them back into a cycle of isolation and abuse.

As Shakes nears his release in spring 1968, he suggests they should report the guards' abuse. However, Michael dismisses this plan, fearing the outside world's disbelief and neglect of their plight.

On the eve of Shakes's release, guards led by Nokes organize a horrific 'farewell party' that culminates in a brutal assault on the boys. This traumatic event leaves them scarred and fearful as they leave the facility.

In 1981, John and Tommy confront Sean Nokes in a bar, which leads to a violent altercation where they take revenge by killing him. This act signifies their deep-seated desire for retribution after years of suffering.

Michael, now an assistant District Attorney, schematically manipulates a case tied to their past to sabotage the prosecution against John and Tommy. This reflects his desire to seek justice for their dark history.

With Shakes and Mike's strategic maneuvering, they seek to bring justice to the guards. During the courtroom drama, characters such as Ralph Ferguson reveal their complicity, escalating the tension and stakes involved.

Post-acquittal, Mike decides to resign from his legal career, seeking a simplistic life as a carpenter. Meanwhile, the past continues to haunt the group, leading to John's premature death due to alcoholism and Tommy's violent demise soon after.