The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys

In the sweltering summer of the 1970s, a group of rebellious teenagers at St. Agatha's Catholic School in Savannah, Georgia, start their journey of self-discovery. The heat of the season sets the stage for their misadventures filled with marijuana, whiskey, and budding interests in the opposite sex.

The group, consisting of Francis Doyle, Tim Sullivan, Wade Scalisi, and Joey Anderson, finds ways to rebel against the mundane life of students by engaging in pranks. One of their notable acts includes stealing the school's statue of St. Agatha and hiding it in their makeshift clubhouse as a statement against authority.

Their routine is disrupted by the arrival of Margie Flynn, who catches Francis's attention. A love note misinterpreted by Francis acts as a catalyst for Margie's entry into their group, igniting Francis's conflicting emotions between friendship and growing romantic feelings.

To cope with their struggles, the boys create a comic book titled 'The Atomic Trinity' which serves as an imaginative escape. The comic features unique characters like Brakken, Captain Asskicker, and Major Screw, reflecting their dreams and the turbulent realities surrounding them.

During a school trip to the local zoo, a prank involving a drugged cougar spirals out of control. The once-tight friendship among the boys starts to unravel as chaos ensues, causing dissent within their ranks.

As the dynamic shifts among the group, Francis learns about Margie's traumatic past, which includes her brother Donny and his violent outburst towards Tim. This revelation deepens the tension and leads to Tim's and Francis's suspension from school.

The fallout intensifies when Sister Assumpta discovers 'The Atomic Trinity' comic book filled with violent illustrations, putting Tim and Francis on the brink of expulsion. The realization of their actions and their consequences weighs heavily on the boys as they navigate their chaotic lives.

In a desperate attempt to mitigate the chaos they've created, the boys plan to steal a cougar from the zoo under the cover of night. Their misguided effort to reclaim control over their lives only leads to more devastating consequences.

Tim's reckless decision to enter the cougar's enclosure results in a tragic confrontation, leading to his untimely death. This unexpected loss sends shockwaves through the group and alters their lives forever.

At Tim's funeral, Francis delivers a poignant eulogy that draws from the lines of 'The Tyger' by William Blake. The verses resonate with the themes of fleeting life and the harsh realities of their youth, reminding everyone of their vulnerability.

In a melancholic tribute to Tim and their carefree days, Francis leaves an anthology of poems at the site where they stole the statue of St. Agatha. This act serves as an homage to their youthful rebellion and cherished memories.

To cope with the trauma of their experiences, Francis begins creating a new comic series inspired by his fallen friend, naming the character Skeleton Boy. This project becomes a lasting legacy that intertwines Tim's memory with Francis's journey of healing.