Treacle Jr.

The film opens with Tom eating with his family, then driving to Birmingham and boarding the London train. He spends the day wandering through the city and finally sleeps outside a shop. This opening establishes Tom's fragile grip on everyday life.

That morning, Tom discards his phone in a lake and bins his bank cards, preserving only a fragile family photo and a chunk of money. He pockets the remaining cash, trying to sever ties with his former life.

That night, after a drink in the park, Tom is attacked by a gang of youths. He tries to flee but crashes into a tree and injures himself, leaving him more vulnerable. The incident foreshadows the danger that follows him.

The next morning, Tom waits in A&E as he is called for examination. Aidan behaves disruptively at first, then starts talking to Tom, beginning an uneasy connection between them.

Walking together, Aidan tries to lead Tom away from him. Aidan goes to urinate, Tom tries to escape, and after a brief moment he spots a couple having sex. He then encounters Aidan again, and Tom feigns fainting outside Aidan's flat, who invites him inside and offers a beer.

Inside, Linda—Aidan's girlfriend—arrives home, startling Tom and showing displeasure that Aidan earned little money. She punches Aidan and tells him to throw Tom out.

Tom leaves to buy tea, but returns to discover his pocket is empty. Linda denies knowledge and smirks, heightening Tom's paranoia. Later, at a café, Aidan arrives with a cat carrier and offers to help with mouse-catching; the shop manager leads them to the back, and they witness a disturbing incident involving the neighbour's cat.

Aidan shows Tom a drum kit he's saving for, dreaming of fame. Tom admits he cannot cope with people and offers £200 to stay; Aidan then tells Linda that Tom has paid £100, keeping the rest for the drum kit, and they celebrate. Later, drunk, Aidan confesses the truth to Linda, triggering her realization that Tom is 'Mr. Moneybags' and she masturbates him.

The next day, Aidan takes Tom to the Horniman Museum where they enjoy making music with public instruments. Later, Aidan withdraws his savings but is seen by a man who may be following him, and as he walks home the man mugs him.

Linda returns home with designer clothes, allergic to cats, and finds the kitten hidden in the wardrobe; she attacks Aidan. Tom protests, and Linda threatens him with retaliation by her gangster friends.

Tom confronts Linda, threatening her with a knife and demanding she confess to stealing the money. Linda has an asthma attack; the inhaler falls under the fridge and is recovered after Aidan helps. Linda is left unconscious as they eject her from the apartment.

Aidan goes to the shop to see the drum kit, only to find it has been sold, which heightens his distress. He returns home to discover Tom has gone, heightening his sense of loss.

Entering his bedroom, Aidan finds the kit Tom bought for him. The film ends with Aidan drumming and Tom walking to a train station, boarding and taking the train home.