The Crossing Guard

Freddy Gale's life is shattered by the heartbreaking death of his daughter, Emily, due to a drunk driving incident. This loss transforms him from a loving father into a man consumed by despair and anger.

In the aftermath of Emily's death, Freddy spirals into a cycle of self-destruction, spending his nights in strip clubs and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He grapples with fleeting moments of connection that only deepen his sense of loss.

The name John Booth, the drunk driver responsible for Emily's death, fuels Freddy's rage and desire for revenge. Despite the passing time, Freddy's unresolved anger intensifies, driving him to seek retribution.

John Booth is released from prison after serving time for his crime. Now attempting to reconnect with his family, he carries the heavy burden of remorse for his actions that led to Emily's death.

Freddy confronts Booth at his trailer armed with an unloaded pistol, revealing the depth of his humiliation and unpreparedness for this critical moment. This confrontation forces Freddy to confront the futility of his desire for revenge.

In a surprising turn, Booth responds to Freddy's anger and agrees to make amends within three days. This ultimatum sets the stage for both characters to explore their pasts and seek closure.

As the deadline approaches, Booth embarks on a personal journey to find meaning in his life while battling guilt. He attends a gathering where he meets JoJo, an artist who captivates him but cannot diminish his feelings of remorse.

During one of his difficult moments, Booth visits Emily's grave to lay flowers, only to be confronted by Mary, Freddy's ex-wife. This unexpected encounter deepens the emotional turmoil surrounding both characters.

On the third day, Freddy recounts a terrifying nightmare to Mary about children at a crosswalk, witnessing John Booth among them. This vision exacerbates Freddy's anguish, reflecting his struggle with unresolved loss.

In a moment of frustration, Freddy lashes out at Mary and decides to confront Booth recklessly. However, his drinking leads to him being stopped by law enforcement as he drives towards Booth's trailer.

As Freddy is pulled over by police, he seizes an opportunity to grab his pistol from the glove compartment. This desperate move propels him into a dangerous night as he avoids capture.

Freddy finds refuge in the bedroom of a young girl, driven by fear and desperation. The perceptive child cleverly misleads the police, allowing Freddy to escape detection.

Waiting outside Booth's trailer, Freddy and Booth come face to face, both armed and ready for confrontation. In an unexpected moment, Booth drops his weapon and flees, leaving Freddy bewildered.

Freddy, propelled by grief and fury, chases Booth through the city streets, culminating at the cemetery where Emily is buried. This chase is fueled by a blend of emotions, leading to a confrontation with tragic significance.

In a poignant moment at Emily's grave, Freddy relinquishes his weapon and apologizes to his daughter’s memory. Booth takes Freddy's hand, symbolizing a shared understanding of loss, as dawn breaks over the cemetery.