Year: 2016
Runtime: 94 min
Language: English
Director: Bradley Kaplan
Billy Wyatt is a bright young man whose delinquent behavior leads to his placement in the Bernville Youth Detention Center. Inside, he faces hardened criminals and a staff that isn't always understanding. His rebellious nature earns him the respect of some fellow inmates, but he struggles to gain favor with the employees. It becomes evident that the system is failing boys like Billy, and the institution's attempts to control him only backfire, leading to escalating tensions and a desperate search for understanding.
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After being involved in a series of criminal activities, notably vehicular theft, Billy Wyatt finds himself in a juvenile detention camp. There, he forges a close friendship with Nathan Stein, a fragile inmate, and quickly rises in rank within the camp due to his natural charm and sharp intellect. He gains the admiration of his fellow inmates, including the intimidating Carlos and the formidable Jerome Timmons ‘J.T.’ Dye. However, Billy’s apparent apathy towards those aiming to assist in his rehabilitation leads to tensions with the camp’s director, Montgomery De La Cruz, and the cruel head guard, Conrad Sean Lewis. During his time there, he also develops a connection with Tina Simms, a nurse battling her past as a drug addict, and Emmit Till, the local sheriff who seems earnest in offering his support.
As part of his efforts to integrate, Billy orchestrates a community project to construct a drive-in movie theater for the camp’s residents. Once the theater is completed, Montgomery approaches Billy with an offer to transition him from manual labor to managing the director’s personal items, including a cherished car. To motivate Billy, Montgomery exploits the tragedy surrounding the death of Billy’s father, Philip, in a car accident—a tragedy for which Billy carries deep guilt. Montgomery reveals that he too suffered the loss of his father under similarly tragic circumstances. However, this new role isolates Billy from his peers, culminating in a violent incident where Nathan is viciously attacked and restrained to a basketball post.
When Billy uncovers that Montgomery deceived him about his father’s death, he retaliates by assaulting him. With the help of Nurse Simms, Billy steals Montgomery’s car, intending to rush Nathan to the hospital. Although Montgomery attempts to thwart Billy’s escape, he receives unexpected backing from his fellow inmates, while both Conrad and Sheriff Till stand down, allowing Billy to leave. After dropping off Nathan and Nurse Simms at the hospital, Billy returns home to reconcile with his mother, Kimberly, before the authorities apprehend him once again.
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:59
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