Palmer 2021

Eddie Palmer, a once-prominent high school football star and recently released ex-felon, is confronting a new reality after spending twelve years behind bars. He moves in with his grandmother, Vivian, who cares for a lively young boy named Sam. As fate would have it, when Vivian passes away, Eddie finds himself as Sam’s unexpected guardian, while his mother, Shelly, frequently disappears.

Initially resistant to the idea of taking care of Sam, Palmer gradually forms a deep connection with him. He introduces Sam to fun outings like a high school football game and a bowling fundraiser, all while developing a budding romance with Sam’s teacher, Maggie. However, their peaceful life is disrupted one day when Sam returns home in tears, his makeup messily applied. Initially blaming Sam’s peers, Palmer discovers that it was his own friends, led by Daryl, who were responsible for the hurtful act. In a moment of rage, he confronts them, leading to a bar fight.

When Shelly attempts to reclaim custody of Sam, Child Protective Services steps in, taking the boy away. Palmer’s attempts to gain custody are thwarted by his ongoing parole status, leaving him helpless. As the court temporarily places Sam back with Shelly, Palmer watches in horror as she exposes Sam to her abusive partner and drugs, prompting him to rescue the boy. In a defensive reaction, Palmer takes Sam away, which leads to Shelly accusing him of kidnapping. When Palmer returns Sam to his mother, he is arrested, but witnessing Sam’s desperation to stay with him turns the tide. In a surprising twist, Shelly decides not to pursue charges against him and relinquishes custody, allowing Palmer to embrace his new role as a father figure for Sam.