Ethan Mao 2005

In a desperate bid for survival, Ethan Mao (Jun Hee Lee), a closeted gay teenager, finds himself forced onto the streets after his manipulative stepmother Sarah (Julia Nickson-Soul) discovers his secret and exposes him to his traditionalist father. With no other options, Ethan becomes embroiled in a life of hustling to make ends meet, eventually crossing paths with Remigio (Jerry Hernandez), a charismatic teen drug dealer who takes him under his wing.

As the holiday season approaches, Ethan concocts a plan with Remigio to infiltrate his childhood home and retrieve some cherished belongings, including his deceased mother’s treasured necklace. However, their scheme is disrupted when they’re caught by the family returning to pick up a forgotten gift, forcing them to take drastic measures and hold everyone hostage.

The duo’s initial plan to wait out the night and then release their captives goes awry when Sarah decides to call the authorities, precipitating a tense standoff with the police. With no clear exit strategy in sight, Ethan and Remigio are left with little choice but to make a bold decision about their fate. In a poignant moment of intimacy, they share a tender kiss before surrendering to the police.

As the dust settles on this chaotic episode, we’re granted a glimpse into the quiet moments that follow. Remigio’s gentle request for Ethan to notify him if he ever falls in love again serves as a powerful reminder of the bond between these two young men, and Ethan’s reassuring response hints at a bright future filled with hope and possibility.