What Richard Did

Richard Karlsen is introduced as a charming and self-assured young man living a life of luxury in Dublin's Southside. His privilege allows him to enjoy a carefree summer with friends before they all head off to university, setting the stage for the events to follow.

As Richard's feelings for Lara Hogan deepen, he realizes that she is dating Conor Harris, an old teammate. This emotional conflict leads to a deterioration in the friendship between Richard and Conor, creating an undercurrent of jealousy.

The group attends a lavish party in a wealthy suburb, where the social atmosphere is filled with excitement and excess. However, Richard's jealousy intensifies when Conor's unexpected arrival adds a layer of complexity to his budding relationship with Lara.

After stepping away from the party to think, Richard attempts to return but finds himself blocked from re-entering. This moment of isolation fosters his frustration, especially as he observes Lara and Conor enjoying the festivities without him.

A confrontation occurs when Richard and Lara step outside for a heated argument. Richard's feelings of jealousy boil over, creating a rift in his relationship with Lara and setting the stage for escalating tensions.

Conor, upset after dealing with gatecrashers at the party, confronts Richard about his earlier argument with Lara. The heated exchange culminates in violence when Conor physically strikes Richard, igniting a chaotic reaction among their friends.

After Conor is knocked to the ground by Cian and Stephen, Richard, in a moment of rage, inflicts a devastating kick to Conor's head. This impulsive action marks a turning point in Richard's life, as he begins to grapple with the severe consequences of his violence.

The next day, the friends are devastated to learn that Conor has been found dead. The gravity of the situation deepens as Richard and his friends decide to conceal their involvement from the authorities, leaving Lara as the only one who knows the truth.

In a moment of panic and misguided loyalty, Richard visits a Garda station and provides a misleading statement regarding the events of the night. This decision only deepens his internal struggle as he faces the looming weight of his guilt.

Richard's father, Peter, suggests that he retreat to their family beach house to escape the turmoil of the situation. Alone with his thoughts, Richard's guilt transforms into a breakdown as he tries to cope with what has happened.

Peter learns through his connections that the Garda investigation is focusing on the gatecrashers rather than Richard and his friends. This news provides a temporary sense of relief for Richard, yet the guilt remains a heavy burden on his conscience.

During Conor's goodbye gathering, Richard struggles with the impact of their friend's death. He seeks solace in alcohol, trying to escape his feelings while ultimately feeling the weight of loss and regret.

At Conor's funeral mass, Richard's guilt culminates as he listens to Conor's mother express her disbelief and pain over her son's death. This powerful moment forces Richard to confront the silence surrounding the truth of the attack.

In an attempt to escape the emotional turmoil, Richard suggests eloping with Lara. However, he ultimately fails to follow through, leaving both of them trapped in their complex feelings and the shadows of their past actions.

As time progresses, Richard embarks on his journey to university, a fresh start shadowed by his unconfessed guilt. The emotional weight of his past actions lingers, impacting his new experiences and relationships.