Crime and Punishment in Suburbia 2000

Roseanne Skolnick appears to be the quintessential Southern California high school senior, but beneath her pristine surface lies a world of turmoil. Her family life is far from idyllic; her mother, Maggie, is deeply unhappy with her marriage to Roseanne’s stepfather, Fred, an alcoholic who has been a harsh figure in Roseanne’s life since she was just four. At school, the unexpected attraction of Vincent, an outsider shunned by her boyfriend Jimmy, starts to draw attention to Roseanne. Although aware of Vincent’s fascination, she chooses to largely disregard it.

As Maggie attempts to ignite a spark with local bartender Chris, she makes the brave choice to leave the family home, forcing Roseanne to stay with Fred temporarily. Tragedy strikes one fateful night when Fred’s drinking spirals out of control, leading to an unspeakable act against his stepdaughter. Left in emotional limbo, Roseanne experiences a breakdown at school, prompting Maggie to visit her. However, Roseanne remains tight-lipped about the horrifying incident.

Motivated by a desire for revenge, Roseanne devises a plan and enlists Jimmy’s help, keeping the details of her trauma hidden. The situation escalates during a chaotic party, where tensions boil over into violence. In a frenzy, Roseanne uses an electric knife to brutally take Fred’s life, marking a pivotal moment filled with chaos and fear.

When the authorities arrive, a horrifying discovery awaits Maggie, leaving her grappling with the implications of her daughter’s actions. Charged with Fred’s murder, yet maintaining her innocence, Maggie faces a dire future. Meanwhile, Roseanne becomes estranged from her peers as she retreats to her grandmother’s house, her relationship with Jimmy strained by shared guilt. As Maggie’s trial unfolds, Roseanne finds comfort in Vincent, whose continued interest in her stirs jealousy and rage in Jimmy, spiraling their lives deeper into turmoil.

As the night progresses, a drunken Jimmy’s night out eventually leads all attention to Chris, who seizes the opportunity to drive him home, entirely unaware of the chaos elsewhere. At the same time, Roseanne and Vincent take a moment at a roadside rest stop where Roseanne stumbles upon incriminating photographs from the night they conspired against Fred, sending her into a panic as she realizes Vincent had been watching them all along.

Things take a turn when Chris sees Roseanne and Vincent in a dispute, leading to a heated confrontation. Chris chastises Roseanne, which only heightens the tensions, resulting in Jimmy confronting him under the influence. This volatile scenario culminates with Chris’s gun accidentally discharging, seriously injuring Jimmy.

With Chris fleeing the chaotic scene, it’s a race against time for Jimmy, whose fate now hangs in the balance. As events unfold, Roseanne comes to terms with her role in Fred’s death, ultimately confessing and facing a manslaughter sentence that will confine her for several years. In contrast, Jimmy escapes formal charges, leaving his future uncertain and clouded by mystery.

While serving her sentence, Roseanne feels increasingly distanced from her mother, finding solace in Vincent’s visits, who remains a significant presence in her life. At long last, when Roseanne’s time in prison comes to an end, Vincent is there, revved up and ready on his motorcycle, as they embark on an uncertain journey ahead. Their bond, tested by tragedy, emerges stronger than ever.