Sweet Sixteen

In the Scottish town of Greenock, teenager Liam and his friends embody the violent ned subculture, rejecting education and aimlessly wandering the streets. Their time is consumed with illegal activities, primarily selling untaxed cigarettes in a local pub.

Liam's mother, Jean, is currently in prison for a crime committed by her boyfriend, Stan. As her release date aligns with Liam's 16th birthday, the family's situation remains tense and uncertain.

Stan and Rab, both involved in drug dealing, attempt to coerce Liam into smuggling drugs to Jean during her upcoming prison visit. When Liam refuses to comply, he faces violent repercussions, including being beaten by Stan.

After the violent encounter, Liam moves in with his older sister, Chantelle, in nearby Port Glasgow. She hopes to steer him away from a destructive lifestyle and encourages him to pursue more positive life choices.

While taking Chantelle's young son, Calum, for a walk, Liam's friend Pinball shows up with a stolen car. They go joyriding, and they pass by a caravan for sale, igniting Liam's dream of a fresh start away from Stan and Rab.

To afford the caravan he longs for, Liam and Pinball steal a delivery of drugs from Stan's house. After successfully selling the drugs, they manage to raise several thousand pounds and put a deposit on the caravan in Jean's name.

Tony Douglas, a local drug lord, takes notice of Liam's drug-selling efforts and invites him to join his gang. Liam, feeling trapped, reluctantly agrees to work with Tony but is warned to avoid trouble with the gang's rivals.

After gaining Tony's trust, Liam is taken to a Glasgow nightclub where he faces an initiation test that involves committing murder. Although he hesitates, the gang informs him it was merely a test, signifying that he has passed the initiation.

Liam, Chantelle, Calum, and Chantelle’s friend Suzanne drive to enjoy a picnic at the caravan, only to find it has been burned down. Liam suspects Stan is behind the destruction, igniting further conflicts ahead.

Pinball, seeking revenge after being disrespected, crashes a stolen car into the health club. He confronts Liam with a confession about burning down the caravan, leading to increased tensions between the former friends.

Tony informs Liam that to solidify his position in the gang, he needs to kill Pinball. This order sets Liam on an emotional and moral conflict as he grapples with his loyalty to his friend and his ambition.

In a tragic confrontation, Pinball tries to stab Liam, but during the struggle, Liam stabs Stan after a heated argument. This violent act signifies a point of no return, plunging Liam deeper into the criminal world.

On the day of his 16th birthday, as police search for him, Chantelle calls to remind Liam of his adult status concerning the law. This somber realization weighs heavily on Liam as he walks alone on the beach, contemplating his fate.

As Liam walks towards the sea, he reflects on the choices he's made and the consequences that await him. The call from Chantelle serves as a reminder that despite everything, he is still loved and that a crucial decision lies ahead.