Trespass Against Us (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Chad wants to leave because he desires a better life for his son Tyson. He specifically aspirations for Tyson to have a different future, one not defined by crime. His wife Kelly encourages him to stand up to his father and pursue this new life, which represents Chad's core motivation throughout the film.

Foreshadowing: Early in the film, Chad's desire for change is established when he refuses to participate in the Sunday night robbery, showing his first real stand against the family legacy.

• chad cutler
• tyson
• family business
• criminal lifestyle
• new life

Colby views the family criminal empire as a legacy passed down through generations. He expects Chad to continue this tradition and maintain the family's power and unity. Any attempt to leave is perceived as abandoning the family and rejecting Colby's authority, which is why he becomes so hostile toward Chad's plans.

Foreshadowing: The staged police chase to honor incarcerated brother Bryan demonstrates the family's deep commitment to their criminal traditions.

• colby cutler
• family legacy
• betrayal
• crime empire
• father son conflict

During the getaway, Chad finds himself cornered and kills Officer Lovage's police dog to escape. He then hides under a heifer (a cow) to avoid the helicopter's thermal cameras. This desperate tactic allows him to evade capture while the rest of the gang escapes.

Foreshadowing: The robbery itself was already high-risk, with Chad forced into dangerous situations that required extreme measures to survive.

• police helicopter
• thermal cameras
• heifer
• escape
• officer lovage

Chad is unable to read, which prevents him from filling out the breeder's paperwork when trying to purchase a puppy for Tyson's seventh birthday. This inability leads to his frustration and the confrontation that spirals into stealing the puppy instead.

Foreshadowing: This moment highlights Chad's desperation to provide something positive for his son while also exposing a vulnerability that has held him back throughout his life.

• chad cannot read
• puppy
• paperwork
• tyson birthday
• breeder

After being unable to complete the paperwork due to his illiteracy, Chad experiences a breakdown of frustration. He kicks in the back door, snatches the puppy, throws the payment into the air, and flees in a taxi. This impulsive act represents his desperation to still give Tyson something meaningful while also marking a clear point of no return in his criminal path.

Foreshadowing: Chad's earlier attempts to buy land were blocked by Colby, showing a pattern of being denied opportunities to build a legitimate future.

• puppy theft
• chad
• tyson
• desperation
• stolen puppy

Chad surrenders to protect his son's future. At the old oak tree, he gives Tyson the puppy and imparts heartfelt advice before the police arrive. He chooses to accept arrest because it represents the final step in his rebellion, truly breaking free by accepting the consequences, while giving Tyson a chance at a different life. His final words express love for Kelly, showing his hope that his sacrifice will benefit his family.

Foreshadowing: The old oak tree is a place with family history, making it a symbolic location for Chad to make his final stand and choose his family's wellbeing over his own freedom.

• surrender
• old oak tree
• tyson
• police
• chad arrest
• family future

Despite knowing about their criminal activities and conducting an armed raid on their campsite, the police must release both Colby and Chad due to insufficient evidence. This forces the family to continue operating while also setting up the later conflict where Chad's crimes become undeniable.

Foreshadowing: The raid damages their property and seizes their pets, but the lack of evidence means the legal pressure mounts rather than resolves.

• police release
• insufficient evidence
• armed raid
• colby
• chad

When Chad and Kelly discover their children are missing and seek help from the police, PC Lovage suggests cooperation might lead to assistance. However, the authorities already have the children in custody, this is a strategic move to pressure the family into cooperating. The police use the children as leverage while knowing exactly where they are the entire time.

Foreshadowing: This revelation adds to the tension and shows the police tactics against the Cutler family.

• children custody
• police
• pc lovage
• cutler family
• missing children

Colby deliberately blocks Chad's plan to purchase a patch of land from Noah. This is Colby's way of trapping Chad within his control, by denying Chad any opportunity to build an independent, legitimate life outside the family crime business. It reinforces Chad's feeling of being imprisoned by his father's authority.

Foreshadowing: This event directly contributes to Chad's desperation and his failed attempt to purchase the puppy as an alternative way to start fresh.

• colby blocks land purchase
• noah
• chad trapped
• control

The old oak tree represents family history and tradition for the Cutlers. It's where Chad chooses to meet Colby and ultimately where he decides to surrender. The location carries symbolic weight, Chad is choosing his family's future over the criminal legacy by making a stand at a place meaningful to their family history before accepting the consequences of his choices.

Foreshadowing: The tree was mentioned as a place with family history in the timeline, making it the natural setting for Chad's final decision.

• old oak tree
• family history
• surrender
• symbolism
• final scene