World's Greatest Dad

Lance Clayton, a poetry teacher, grapples with his dreams of becoming a published writer. Despite his efforts, he faces rejection and frustration, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

Lance's relationship with his teenage son, Kyle, is strained as Kyle mistakenly believes his father is homosexual. This misunderstanding sets the stage for ongoing tension in their interactions.

While navigating his struggles, Lance begins a romantic relationship with fellow educator Claire. The budding relationship complicates his already tumultuous home life.

At school, Kyle introduces his friend Andrew to European pornography, igniting a chain of events. Following an inappropriate remark to a girl, he ends up in the principal's office.

During the meeting with the principal, suggestions are made to place Kyle in a special needs school. This recommendation shocks Lance and deepens the emotional rift between him and his son.

Lance experiences jealousy as he learns that his colleague Mike has achieved success in a prominent magazine. Tensions rise when he senses Claire's interest in Mike's accomplishments.

Claire cancels their dinner plans, leading to a heated discussion that hints at her feelings for Mike. This argument places further strain on Lance's emotional state.

After a series of poor decisions, Lance discovers Kyle dead in their home due to auto-erotic asphyxiation. This tragic incident marks a pivotal moment that changes their family forever.

In a desperate attempt to avoid scandal, Lance stages the scene to appear as if Kyle took his own life. He even writes a fabricated suicide note, driven by grief and guilt.

Following Kyle's death, the community rallies behind the staged narrative of his suicide. Students honor Kyle by wearing shirts with his image, while Lance becomes the center of attention.

As accolades and sympathy for Kyle's supposed tragic life increase, Lance struggles with overwhelming guilt. He writes a journal intended to reflect Kyle's voice, all while fabricating details.

Andrew, a close friend of Kyle, grows suspicious of the narrative surrounding his death. Despite his concerns, Lance maintains the facade, further complicating his moral dilemmas.

Lance is invited to appear on a talk show, where he confronts Andrew. Andrew pleads with Lance to abandon the lies he's created, intensifying the pressure he feels.

During the library dedication in Kyle's name, Lance faces the reality of his choices. In a moment of truth, he finally reveals the deception to the gathered crowd.

After unveiling the truth, Lance dives naked into the school pool, symbolizing a release from his guilt. With few supporters left, he seeks solace in writing and enjoying time with friends.