Terror in the Family

Deena Marten, a 15-year-old in Washington state, has become a rebellious presence after dating Garret Lexau. She skips school, breaks promises, and drifts away from her family. Her mother Cynthia grows increasingly distressed, while father Todd remains emotionally distant.

During an argument about cleaning her room, Deena physically pushes Cynthia, signaling the collapse of their previously close relationship. The confrontation exposes the deeper dysfunction of the family. Cynthia’s attempts to discipline Deena only escalate the tension.

At school, Deena’s truancy becomes evident when the principal informs that she has been kicked off the swim team. She lies to the principal, claiming she has mono to avoid consequences. The news underscores the mounting pressure at home and the fragility of Deena’s actions.

Todd announces a set of new house rules: an after-school curfew and stricter chores. Deena agrees at first, then stays out with Garret, triggering punishment and a renewed clash with her parents. The episode highlights how control and privacy collide in the household.

While out with Garret, Deena calls Todd and falsely claims she has been complying with his 'list' and doing homework with a friend. The lie is meant to ease parental worry but deepens mistrust between father and daughter. The moment demonstrates how manipulation becomes a tool for survival.

During a confrontation at home, Deena slams her bedroom door on Todd’s hand, breaking his fingers. The act marks a brutal escalation of the family crisis and forces everyone to confront the consequences. She then flees upstairs, seeking distance from the mounting conflict.

Deena climbs an abandoned rollercoaster, looking for an exit from the life she knows. Garret convinces her to run away to California when the weather improves, proposing they hitchhike together. The couple’s dream of escape becomes the dominant thread of the next actions.

Marijuana and failing grades are discovered in Deena’s bedroom. Todd grounds her, confiscating her stereo and phone and forbidding her from seeing Garret again. Deena threatens to claim self-defence and accuses her parents of abuse if they push too hard.

Deena delivers a note to Garret asking him to run away now, then sneaks out again. Garret reveals he is leaving town and urges her to pack. The plan to flee grows more urgent as their situation deteriorates.

After a violent confrontation with her parents, Deena is arrested by the police. She is released into Aunt Judith’s custody and placed on probation for six weeks, with no contact with her parents and mandatory therapy. The incident marks a formal turning point in the family crisis.

Judith explains the origins of the family’s dysfunction, including the alcoholic mother’s history of hitting Cynthia. Deena reflects on the cycle of abuse and begins to understand the roots of her own impulses. Cynthia calls Deena, seeking reconciliation while still occupied with alcohol.

Todd resolves to pursue family therapy, and Adam acknowledges his own drinking problem. Cynthia resists a therapist, but the family takes steps toward healing and begins attending sessions together with Deena.

Garret attends Deena’s hearing, where the judge opts for probation with community service and anger management rather than jail. He expects Deena to run away with him, but she explains that changes have occurred at home. Garret reacts with anger and stalls off.

Deena is reunited with her parents and younger brother, and the family begins to move toward healing with probation and therapy in place. The film closes on a note of fragile reconciliation rather than a neat, complete cure for the family’s problems.