Small Engine Repair 2021

In this darkly comedic drama, three lifelong friends - Frankie, Swaino, and Packie - find their loyalty tested when they're asked to do a favor for the fiery young woman Crystal. As the whiskey flows and the night descends into chaos, old bonds are stretched to the breaking point, revealing the cracks in their camaraderie and the toxic masculinity that underlies it all.

In this darkly comedic drama, three lifelong friends - Frankie, Swaino, and Packie - find their loyalty tested when they're asked to do a favor for the fiery young woman Crystal. As the whiskey flows and the night descends into chaos, old bonds are stretched to the breaking point, revealing the cracks in their camaraderie and the toxic masculinity that underlies it all.

Does Small Engine Repair have end credit scenes?

No!

Small Engine Repair does not have end credit scenes.

Ratings

Discover how Small Engine Repair is rated on popular platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Explore audience and critic scores to see how this movie ranks among the best.


Metacritic

57

Metascore

5.9

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

6.5 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

62

%

User Score

Movie Quiz

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Small Engine Repair Quiz: Test your knowledge about the film 'Small Engine Repair' and its intricate themes of family, masculinity, and redemption.

Who is the main character struggling with anger issues in the movie?

Plot Summary

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Get the full story of Small Engine Repair with a detailed plot summary. Dive into its themes, characters, and the twists that make it a must-watch.


A devoted family man, Frank Romanoski (John Pollono), operates a modest engine repair shop in the bustling locale of Manch-Vegas (Manchester). He tirelessly works to provide for his daughter, Crystal (Ciara Bravo), while dealing with the emotional distance created by his challenging marriage to Karen Delgado. Frank’s tumultuous childhood has left him with deep-seated rage issues, akin to those of his late abusive father, often landing him in correctional facilities for violent outbursts against individuals connected to his toxic wife. The narrative begins with Frank’s release from Hillsborough correctional facility, where he promptly reaches out to his old friend, Terrance Swaino (Jon Bernthal), hoping to reconnect at his workplace.

In Frank’s absence, Terrance and Packie Hanrahan (Shea Whigham) have stepped up as guardians for Crystal. Upon his homecoming, Frank is met with an emotional scene—Crystal is crying in his arms when Terrance returns her to him. This moment serves as a catalyst for Frank, compelling him to reevaluate his life choices and fate.

Fast forward a few years, and Crystal is eager to attend UCLA for higher education. Although initially hesitant, Frank ultimately acquiesces to her wishes for the sake of her happiness. The family gathers for Christmas Eve celebrations, where Crystal joyfully shares the news of her college acceptance with her beloved uncles, Swaino and Packie. As festivities unfold, Karen reappears in town, whisking Crystal away for a shopping spree. Unfortunately, a celebratory night turns sour when Frank, Terrance, and Packie get embroiled in a bar brawl that leads Frank to a dangerous tipping point. Just as he is about to cross a line, Crystal’s urgent plea halts him, reminding him of his commitment to change. Frustrated, he lays the blame on Swaino and Packie, severing ties with them and deciding to start fresh with Crystal.

Three months later, with Crystal now settled in college, a lonely Frank seeks to mend his friendship with Swaino and Packie, inviting them over for a gathering at his shop. While they indulge in laughs and reminiscences, Frank engages in cryptic phone calls to a stranger, arousing curiosity among his friends. When questioned about these calls, Frank divulges a shocking plan: he wants to introduce these friends to a drug dealer for a reunion infused with some excitement. However, the dealer turns out to be none other than Chad Walker—a naïve 19-year-old college student selling drugs for extra cash.

As Chad arrives at the shop, the mood shifts from casual to anxiety-laden. Frank starts to drift away, leaving Chad with Swaino and Packie, who become acquainted with a troubling story Chad shares about a girl from Instagram whose life he nearly ruined. When Frank interjects, it becomes a shocking revelation that the girl mentioned is his own daughter, Crystal, whose life took a tragic turn after Chad transmitted damaging images of her. This leads to a confrontation where Frank’s fury boils over, resulting in a violent outburst as he confronts Chad for the pain he inadvertently caused Crystal.

Consumed by rage and guilt, Frank is compelled to exact revenge and seeks assistance from his friends for the ultimate crime. While Packie jumps headfirst into the plan, a hesitant Swaino voices concerns. The group’s dynamics shift further when Karen unexpectedly arrives at the shop, forcing the truth into the open. A chaotic confrontation ensues, but with Packie’s intelligent insight, they devise a plan that transforms Chad into the subject of an embarrassing viral threat, thereby ensuring he stays silent about that night’s events.

Frantic and terrified for his reputation, Chad agrees to keep quiet. The following day, as the initial anxiety passes, Frank, Swaino, Packie, and even Karen gather at the hospital beside Crystal. With a heavy heart, Frank assures her that her family surrounds her, and in a touching sign of recovery, Crystal moves her fingers, indicating a glimmer of hope as she clings to her father’s hand. The film concludes on a heartwarming note, celebrating the resilience and connection of family amidst chaos and despair.

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