Josie 2018

In the unassuming town of Baymont, a world away from the Lone Star State, Hank resides at the Pink Motel, where he tends to his cherished pair of tortoises. When not indulging in his favorite hobby of fishing, Hank patrols the local high school parking lot, serving as an unofficial guardian and dispensing words of wisdom to wayward teenagers. His motivations are pure; no familial ties bind him to this institution, nor does he possess a creepy aura. It’s simply part of his daily routine.

Hank’s days are punctuated by eerie visions of a menacing figure clad in an orange prison jumpsuit, its intensity only rivaling the fiery passion he displays while tending to his beloved reptilian companions. The motel’s tranquil atmosphere is disrupted when Josie, a bright-eyed and vivacious teenager with long blonde locks, moves into room 17. Her arrival is heralded by Romero, the town’s affable landscaper, who extols Hank’s virtues as a gentle giant capable of lending a helping hand.

Josie’s true intentions for relocating to Baymont remain shrouded in mystery, as she presents three disparate explanations to those around her. Perhaps she’s preparing for her parents’ impending arrival, or maybe she’s fleeing the consequences of her father’s military service in Germany. Alternatively, the void left by her deceased mother might be the driving force behind this new chapter in her life.

As Josie navigates the corridors of Baymont High School, she finds herself drawn to Marcus, a charismatic student with an effortless charm. Their mutual interest is palpable, and Ms. Elkins’ recent assignment – a project requiring partnerships among students – seems tailor-made for their budding connection. The addition of Josie to the class, however, creates an unexpected advantage: an even number of students, ensuring that everyone will have a partner.

Marcus arrives at the Pink Motel to collaborate with Josie on their project, only to be disheartened by the discovery that Hank – the enigmatic figure who patrols the parking lot – is also present. As night falls, Hank’s truck falls victim to vandalism, casting suspicion upon Marcus, whose actions have been increasingly erratic. Amidst this turmoil, whispers begin to circulate about Hank’s shadowy past, with some speculating that he may be a fugitive from justice, his crimes as dark and foreboding as the orange prison jumpsuit that haunts his dreams.

At the heart of this narrative lies Gordie and Martha, the enigmatic proprietors of the motel where they reside. While their exact role in managing the establishment remains ambiguous, it’s evident that Martha, with her warm demeanor, takes a keen interest in the lives of those around her - including her more reserved partner, Gordie. However, as soon as the two are alone, Martha’s affable nature gives way to a desire to meddle in the personal affairs of others. This is particularly true when it comes to Gordie, who, with his “Make America Great” ideology, has been known to be somewhat callous, often referring to Hank as “Hanky-Panky” despite the latter’s attempts to defuse the situation.

Martha’s invitation to Josie for a Memorial Day cookout marks a turning point in the story. This gathering, which includes the construction of a makeshift racetrack for Josie’s beloved tortoises, brings together an unlikely group of individuals who find themselves drawn to one another. Gordie and Hank, once polar opposites, discover common ground as they bond over their shared experiences. Meanwhile, Josie’s infectious enthusiasm and carefree nature bring a sense of levity to the proceedings, which is only briefly disrupted by her subsequent return from a night out with friends, replete with the telltale signs of intoxication.

As the story unfolds, Marcus continues to appear at the motel, his intentions far from pure. Hank, ever the vigilant guardian, feels compelled to intervene, driven by a mix of concern for Josie’s well-being and possibly even romantic interest in her. This tension culminates in a confrontational encounter between Hank and Martha, who is appalled by Hank’s perceived feelings.

The stage is set for a poignant moment of introspection when Hank takes Josie on a stroll to the marina, where he reveals his troubled past as a former guard at Huntsville Prison, infamous for its high execution rate. The emotional toll of his experiences is palpable as he recounts the story of an inmate wrongly convicted and later exonerated years after his sentence was carried out. This harrowing tale serves as a catalyst for Hank’s eventual departure from the prison, leaving him forever changed.

In one of the film’s most poignant moments, Josie and Hank sit together in quiet contemplation, their conversation taking on a introspective tone. As they discuss their differing views on faith, with Josie having been raised to question the concept by her mother, Hank remains steadfast in his non-belief. The weight of their collective experiences hangs heavy in the air, underscoring the complexities and emotional depth that define this narrative.

Here’s my rephrased version:

As Josie endeavours to broker peace between Marcus (no actor mentioned) and Hank, she orchestrates a confrontation that culminates in a fragile truce. The tension dissipates temporarily as they engage in convivial banter, with Hank sharing his passion for fishing and Marcus countering with his enthusiasm for hunting. In a surprising display of machismo, Marcus brandishes a blade worthy of the legendary Crocodile Dundee himself. As the evening wears on, with drinks flowing freely, Hank’s vision begins to blur, and he succumbs to unconsciousness. The audience is treated to an extended flashback, this time witnessing the tragic events that led to the execution of an innocent man. A young girl, accompanied by a woman who may or may not be her mother, bears witness to the harrowing scene. But what could have been the purpose of this innocent child’s presence?

The mystery deepens as Hank awakens to find himself bound and gagged, Josie finally revealing her true story. She produces a photograph of herself at age four, posing with her father mere moments before his wrongful arrest. The revelation that she and her mother had been visiting him in prison for years only adds to the poignancy. As the truth unfolds, it becomes clear that Josie has somehow connected Hank’s past to her own, and she seems hell-bent on exacting revenge from those responsible for her father’s demise. In a chilling display of ruthlessness, she uses Marcus’ knife to silence Hank.

In the aftermath, the narrative loops back to its opening scene, this time with the added context that Marcus has been framed and is taken away by authorities. The implication is clear: Josie’s manipulation was nothing short of calculated. The realisation dawns on the audience that “Josie” may not have been her true name after all.

As the film concludes, Josie - now sporting a sleek, black mane - navigates the streets with an air of purpose. She tracks down a man at a local watering hole, her gaze locking onto one Matthew from the Huntsville prison’s formidable roster of guards. Francine, as she introduces herself, seems to be sizing up potential prey for a sinister game that promises to unfold in ways both unpredictable and terrifying.