American Sons
What choices do we make when we’re young, alone and afraid? And what can we possibly do later, to heal the terrible wounds of our past?
For nearly thirty years, we’ve watched news stories linking bullying to horrific gun violence among America’s kids. AMERICAN SONS is a moving drama about one boy’s experience, and the life-long consequences for him and the people he touched. It is a universal story of guilt, rage, hope and the search for redemption.
American Sons reminds us that everyone, even the most timid victim, can himself become a victimizer, if given complete power over another person. It shows us how, in one fleeting moment, any of us might make a decision that would haunt us the rest of our lives.
The film will convey the complexity of all its characters — none are completely “evil” or completely “good”. All wrestle in their own ways with the consequences of their choices.
The film will show how moments of joy break through even the darkest times in life. It will convey the power of love to awaken us to the preciousness of life. And the power of forgiveness, to heal both the person forgiven and the person who is forgiving.
Roger Stigliano
Logline
After killing his bully and serving time, a newly released young man, stalked by his bully’s father, finds courage to face his past through a new connection.
Main Characters
BRANDON MATTHEWS, 25 - 30
As a shy, overweight boy, Brandon faced extreme bullying at school. Desperate, he brought his dad’s gun to school to scare the bully, but ends by killing him. Now, just released from prison, he yearns to start fresh. But he’s stalked by the dead boy’s dad. Brandon must decide whether to run or to finally face the people he’s hurt.
KATY, 22 - 27
Katy is burdened by having to raise her younger brother, Mickey, after the death of their mom and abandonment by their dad. After a string of bad relationships, she allows herself to hope that Brandon might give her and Mickey a happier life.
MICKEY, 12
A shy boy who’s also gay, Mickey is badly bullied at school. When Brandon intervenes and drives the bully away, Mickey makes his very first friend, and Brandon tries to guide Mickey away from violence.
Joe CAPIELLO, 50s
A police officer and father of Anthony, the boy Brandon killed. Joe was a violent husband and dad. He pursues revenge against Brandon, but ultimately must face his own responsibility for Anthony’s terrible fate.
COMPARABLES
Tangerine
100,000
840,099
740%
Half Nelson
700,000
4,660,481
565%
500,000
Aftersun
8,477,235
1595%
Gross
Film
Budget
ROI
3,221,152
PI
60,000
5268%