Edge of Winter 2016

As newly single father Elliot Baker struggles with a lack of purpose and employment, he seizes a chance to reconnect with his sons, Bradley and Caleb. However, his excitement quickly fades as he realizes that his sons may not share his enthusiasm for spending time together. When they come across Elliot’s shotgun, he views it as an opportune moment to impart some valuable lessons, even as he grapples with the emotional fallout from a recent encounter with his ex-wife.

The three of them embark on a trip to Elliot’s former lumber yard, situated in a remote wilderness area, where he hopes to foster a sense of bonding and offer sage advice. Yet, things take an unexpected turn when Bradley’s phone unwittingly reveals his reluctance about their situation - a reality that Elliot chooses to ignore, stashing the cellphone away as if it were a venomous snake.

Upon reaching the lumber yard, Elliot’s efforts at guiding his sons are met with resistance, especially from Bradley, who prioritizes avoiding embarrassment over learning crucial skills like firearm safety. A careless incident with the gun causes Bradley to tumble, resulting in a mix of anger and shame that keeps him sitting in the car.

As night approaches, Caleb grows distressed after accidentally killing a rabbit during their hunting expedition. In an attempt to patch things up, Elliot decides to teach Bradley how to drive, leading them off the beaten path and into a predicament that forces the family to spend the night in the car. While huddled together to keep warm, Caleb expresses his fears about moving to London, a change instigated by his step-father’s promotion. Elliot’s reaction is intense; he slams his hands onto the steering wheel, breaking his cast in a fit of frustration before exhaustion takes over.

The next day, they set out in search of a nearby hunting cabin for shelter and supplies. However, their adventure takes a dangerous turn when Bradley falls through a concealed layer of ice, prompting Elliot to leap into rescuing his son. As they gather around the fire to warm themselves, Elliot’s pent-up anger erupts; he airs his grievances about losing his family to an impending move to London.

When night falls again, the trio is startled by the sudden arrival of two hunters, Richard and Luc. Initially filled with suspicion, Elliot demands that they disarm before entering their impromptu shelter, creating a tension-filled atmosphere as they all wonder what challenges lie ahead in this wilderness turned familial ordeal.

As the weight of desperation sets in, Elliot begins to lose his grip on sanity. His actions become erratic, leading to a fateful encounter with Richard that results in a tragicomic mishap—Elliot’s misguided intervention inadvertently leads to Richard’s demise. Later, Luc’s presence escalates the tension further, culminating in a chaotic moment where Elliot, driven by fraying nerves, attempts a violent altercation with his friend but is thwarted by the timely intervention of Bradley and Caleb.

While tempers simmer, the boys plot their escape, their bond strengthening through adversity. However, Elliot lashes out in anguish, confronting Bradley and voicing his paternal shortcomings in a fit of rage. In an effort to free themselves, Bradley uses his ingenuity to open a floorboard, leading Caleb to discover Richard’s hidden, lifeless body beneath the cabin.

Realizing the gravity of their dire circumstances, the boys devise a plan to escape, enlisting Luc’s help as an unexpected ally. As Elliot approaches, his desperation reaches a boiling point, and he menacingly declares, “The boys will never leave.” Yet, Bradley’s calm response and gentle words crack Elliot’s facade, offering a hint of potential redemption through shared future adventures.

In a harrowing twist, Luc enters, causing Elliot’s turmoil to erupt in a fierce confrontation with his friend. Amidst the chaos, Bradley and Caleb seize the opportunity to flee in Luc’s truck, but Elliot pursues them with relentless determination. In a desperate attempt at regaining control, he shatters the truck window with his rifle, yet quick thinking and driving skills from Bradley allow them to escape their father’s wrath.

As they speed away into the night, Bradley and Caleb cling tightly to one another, tears of relief falling as they hold onto the hope of rescue.