The Poison Rose

In 1978, private investigator Carson Phillips receives a call that brings him back to his childhood hometown in Texas. His mission is to find Barbara Poole, a missing patient from a local mental facility, raising immediate concern for her well-being.

Upon arriving at the sanatorium, Carson feels an underlying tension among the staff. Particularly, the head doctor, Dr. Miles Mitchell, displays anxiety in response to Carson's inquiries about Barbara's condition, suggesting that something is amiss.

As days pass, Carson becomes increasingly frustrated by the staff's evasive behavior regarding Barbara. His attempts to see her directly are continuously obstructed, fueling his determination to uncover the truth.

During his investigation, Carson reconnects with his former partner, Jayne Hunt, and her daughter, Becky. Their reunion brings up a mix of nostalgia and unresolved tensions from their past.

Joy turns to tragedy when Becky's husband, local star quarterback Happy, suddenly collapses during a game. His unexpected death sends shockwaves through the community and puts Becky under the police's suspicion.

With police scrutiny falling on Becky, Jayne reaches out to Carson for assistance. She fears that her daughter, who had been enduring abuse from Happy, might unjustly face charges as the investigation unfolds.

As Carson digs deeper into the sanatorium's operations, he uncovers a horrifying reality: Dr. Miles is exploiting vulnerable patients by eliminating those without family to claim their social security benefits. This revelation turns his investigation on its head.

In a dramatic twist, it is revealed that Jayne poisoned Happy to protect Becky from his abusive behavior. Faced with the implications of her actions, she struggles with guilt and the weight of her mother's instincts gone awry.

Becky confronts Jayne about her involvement in Happy's death, challenging their relationship. The visceral confrontation escalates until Jayne admits her guilt, leading to a poignant moment of emotional reconciliation between the two.

After Carson gathers enough evidence against Dr. Miles, he faces justice for his crimes. The fallout from his actions leads to a reckoning for all involved, reshaping their lives and relationships in unexpected ways.

In the wake of turmoil, Carson reflects on his journey and the bonds he's formed. He comes to realize that he has discovered a true sense of home not just in his childhood town, but within the connections he has rebuilt.

Choosing to embrace this newfound sense of family, Carson decides to stay in Texas with Jayne and Becky. This choice signifies a fresh start for the trio, forged through reconciliation and shared struggles.

As the film concludes, Carson, Jayne, and Becky embark on a new chapter together. Their individual journeys have intertwined, paving the way for healing and hope amidst the remnants of past conflicts.