The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things

Jeremiah faces chaos as his mother Sarah spirals into addiction, neglecting his needs. Instability marks his early years, as he's shuffled between foster families while his mother's reckless choices dictate their lives.

Sarah's relationships with men are marked by abuse and neglect, leading to continual abandonment of Jeremiah. Each new partner becomes another excuse for her to prioritize her desires over her son's well-being.

While in Atlantic City, Sarah's neglect reaches a critical point during a horrific incident involving her partner Emerson. This traumatic event deeply wounds Jeremiah, leaving him emotionally scarred and more vulnerable than before.

To shield Jeremiah from trauma, his grandmother attempts to relocate him to a religious home with his grandfather. This drastic change represents a fleeting hope for stability amidst the chaos of his life.

After three years of absence, Sarah reappears, eager to reclaim her now 11-year-old son. However, her new partner, Kenny, proves to be as unreliable as those before him, complicating their reunion.

Desperate to mask Jeremiah’s true identity, Sarah coerces him into dressing as her 'little sister.' This bizarre transformation deepens their toxic relationship and further confuses Jeremiah about his own identity.

In a troubling turn of events, Jeremiah is compelled to use his mother's unhealthy seduction tactics on Jackson. This manipulation results in explosive reactions from Sarah, revealing the depths of her dysfunction and its impact on Jeremiah.

As Sarah and Jeremiah try to establish a semblance of normalcy, they live under the shadow of a hidden methamphetamine lab. This secret lifestyle culminates in a tragic event that takes the life of Sarah’s latest partner.

Following the violent aftermath of the lab incident, Sarah's instability forces them to flee. They leave behind chaos, attempting to escape from the dangers posed by Sarah’s life choices.

In the wake of fleeing, Sarah's paranoia reaches alarming heights, believing that all food is poisoned. This fixation leads her to rely on an unhealthy diet, dramatically affecting both her and Jeremiah's health.

As their situation deteriorates, Sarah's misguided judgment leads her to attempt shoplifting food for survival. Meanwhile, Jeremiah’s desperation drives him to scavenge for food, highlighting their dire circumstances.

In an ill-fated maternal move, Sarah convinces Jeremiah to take ipecac, thinking it will cleanse him. This decision backfires, resulting in Jeremiah being hospitalized, a reflection of Sarah's crumbling mental state.

During a desperate escape, Sarah sneaks Jeremiah out of the hospital, symbolizing their mutual need to break free from their chaotic existence. Together, they embark on a journey as fugitives, donning hospital gowns.

In the final moments, Sarah and Jeremiah find a fleeting sense of liberation together. As they fade into the unknown, their bond remains unbreakable amidst the uncertainty of their future.