The Clovehitch Killer

In the charming town of Kentucky, we meet 16-year-old Tyler Burnside. He is introduced as a typical teenager grappling with the overshadowing legacy of the Clovehitch Killer, a notorious figure haunting the community.

Tyler borrows his father's truck for a visit to a young woman, unintentionally leaving behind a bondage photograph. This seemingly innocent act leads to chaos as gossip spreads among his friends from church and scouts, fueling rumors of Tyler's supposed BDSM fetish.

As gossip escalates, Tyler finds himself increasingly ostracized and isolated from his peers. The scrutiny surrounding his life leaves him feeling alienated, intensifying his resolve to uncover the truth about the Clovehitch Killer.

Tyler's suspicions shift towards his father, Don Burnside, who is portrayed as a loving family man and respected community member. Compelled by his intuition, Tyler investigates his father's private shed, only to discover disturbing bondage magazines and a haunting Polaroid.

In search of clarity, Tyler forges an unexpected friendship with Kassi, a rebellious girl with a fascination for the Clovehitch Killer's history. Together, they begin to piece together the unsettling connections between Don's hidden life and the killer's past victims.

During their investigation, Tyler and Kassi uncover blueprints for a BDSM dungeon and a collection of disturbing Polaroids of bondage. The chilling evidence deepens Tyler's suspicions about his father's connection to the Clovehitch Killer.

In an attempt to quell Tyler’s growing curiosity, Don takes him on a camping trip. During the trip, Don misleadingly claims that the true perpetrator of the murders is his uncle, Rudy, who is burdened with guilt.

Believing his father’s claims, Tyler helps Don destroy incriminating evidence in a moment of desperation. This act of destruction is meant to provide them both with a fresh start, but it may also mask deeper truths.

While Tyler is away at a scout camp, Don indulges in his hidden predilections, engaging in crossdressing. Moments before Kassi unexpectedly arrives, Don takes troubling photos of himself, revealing a darker side.

As Don develops a fixation on a local woman, Tyler and Kassi unite to confront the truth. They discover Don in a compromising situation, leading to a dramatic confrontation filled with revelations about Kassi’s mother and her connection to the killer.

In a climactic moment, Tyler finds himself engaged in a violent struggle with Don. Their confrontation lays bare unfinished truths and ethical dilemmas, leaving both Tyler and Kassi in turmoil over the implications of their actions.

Following the harrowing events, the community learns about Don’s fate, which is labeled a tragic accident. The shockwaves of this revelation ripple through the tightly-knit town, altering the dynamics amongst its residents.

In a poignant moment, Tyler delivers a heartfelt eulogy for his father before the congregation. His words reflect bittersweet memories while hinting at the profound and disturbing truths that lie beneath the surface.

As Tyler concludes his eulogy with the haunting line, 'Dad, if you can hear me, I love you,' he grapples with the grim connections that remain between him and his father. This realization underscores their shared history and the tragic legacy left behind.