Turn the River

Kailey Sullivan, portrayed by Famke Janssen, is introduced as a resilient single mother shaped by her turbulent past. After a painful divorce, she struggles to maintain a connection with her son Gulley, who she has had to keep at a distance due to her lost visitation rights.

Despite their physical distance, Kailey and Gulley nurture their mother-son bond through secret letters. These correspondences become their vital lifeline, helping them navigate the emotional challenges they face in their lives and maintaining their connection amidst adversity.

As Kailey delves into her past and the current state of her son’s life, she discovers that Gulley is suffering emotional abuse from his father, David. Additionally, she learns that he is being bullied at school, prompting her fierce maternal instincts to kick in.

Driven by the need to protect her son, Kailey devises a bold plan to escape their toxic living situation and start anew in Canada. She realizes that in order to make this happen, she needs financial resources, which leads her to exploit her talent as a pool shark.

With the invaluable support of her friend Teddy Quinette, Kailey begins organizing high-stakes pool games at Teddy's bar. This venue becomes the battleground where she faces off against tough opponents who underestimate her skills and determination to win.

As Kailey competes in these matches, she begins to accumulate the money necessary for her and Gulley's escape. Each victory inches her closer to her goal, strengthening her resolve and highlighting her fierce determination to protect her son.

Before they can execute their escape, Kailey decides to confront her ex-husband, David, in a pivotal visit. This confrontation sparks a series of consequential events that add tension and urgency to her plans as she faces the realities of the situation.

With Teddy's unwavering support, Kailey is finally able to secure the funds necessary to finalize their escape plans. This moment marks a significant turning point, bringing her one step closer to a life free from her abusive past.

In a dramatic climax just before their departure, Kailey surprises David by using a replica handgun to handcuff him to his house. This unexpected action results in a swift response from law enforcement, complicating her escape plans and putting her in a precarious situation.

As law enforcement responds to David's emergency call, Kailey finds herself ensnared in a confrontation with the police. This tense moment escalates rapidly, upping the stakes of Kailey's escape and highlighting her desperate situation.

On her way to the Canadian-US border, Kailey's situation reaches a boiling point. Mistaken for a threat, her belongings are perceived by the police as a weapon, leading to a harrowing fight for survival as she battles for her freedom and her son's safety.

In the film's poignant conclusion, a haunting flashback reveals Gulley entering Teddy's pool bar for the very first time. Clutching a postcard from his mother, this moment serves as a bittersweet reminder that hope and resilience can shine even in the darkest of times.