The King of Staten Island

Scott Carlin, a 24-year-old high school dropout, navigates life in Staten Island. He struggles with the loss of his firefighter father, Stan, who died during a hotel fire, leaving a significant impact on Scott’s psyche.

Scott faces numerous health challenges, including Crohn's disease and ADHD. Alongside these issues, he is also a constant user of marijuana, which complicates his daily life and relationships.

Living with his mother, Margie, and sister, Claire, Scott's family dynamics are strained. As Claire prepares to leave for college, she expresses concern about Scott's well-being and fears his issues may deepen in her absence.

Despite aspiring to be a tattoo artist, Scott struggles with consistency in his artwork. He practices on friends, but his lack of confidence and direction holds him back from truly pursuing his dreams.

During a day at the beach, Scott has a chance encounter with a curious 9-year-old named Harold. Harold asks Scott for a tattoo but flees before completion, setting off a series of events that will connect their lives.

Ray Bishop, Harold's father, arrives at Scott’s home, initially upset with him. However, he eventually develops a budding romantic interest in Margie, which troubles Scott given its resemblance to his father's firefighting background.

Ray takes Scott to a Staten Island Yankees game in an attempt to bond. Conversations during the outing reveal Scott's deep-seated resentment towards the firefighting profession, stemming from his father's tragic death.

Scott and Claire have a pivotal conversation where Scott decides to break up with Kelsey. He believes that their relationship is unhealthy for Margie, showcasing his growing awareness of the impact of his decisions on his family.

Taking a job as a busboy allows Scott to earn money and connect with Harold and his sister, Kelly. However, he finds himself entangled in his friends' dangerous plans to rob a pharmacy for pills.

Reluctantly serving as a lookout during a pharmacy robbery, things go awry. The situation escalates into a confrontation with the pharmacist and his wife, leading to a shooting that lands his friend Oscar in jail.

In an attempt to sabotage Margie and Ray’s relationship, Scott meets Ray’s ex-wife, Gina. This leads to a heated confrontation with Ray, ultimately resulting in both men being kicked out of Margie's house.

With nowhere to go and his friends in jail, Scott seeks refuge at Ray's firehouse. Performing odd jobs in exchange for shelter, he begins to bond with Ray and the firefighters, gaining insights into his father's legacy.

Scott assists a wounded man while at the firehouse, which catches Ray's attention. This moment showcases Scott’s burgeoning skills as an artist and leads to Ray inviting him to tattoo his back, deepening their relationship.

Scott takes a trip to the Staten Island Ferry to surprise Kelsey as she prepares for a civil service exam. He musters the courage to confess his love for her during a poignant moment, culminating in a heartfelt kiss.

As Kelsey departs into the city, Scott is left grappling with his emotions and uncertain future. This moment signifies a transition in his life, prompting him to reflect on his challenges and aspirations.