Smoke Signals 1998

On the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation in Plummer, Idaho, two contrasting individuals find their lives forever intertwined: the fiery basketball prodigy Victor Joseph and the quirky storyteller Thomas Builds-the-Fire. Their connection traces back to a tragic event when Thomas was saved by Victor’s father, Arnold, from a devastating house fire in 1976 that took the lives of Thomas’s parents. While Thomas cherishes this act of heroism, Victor grapples with a mix of deep affection and bitter anger towards his father—a man ensnared by the demons of alcoholism, domestic violence, and abandonment, leaving lasting wounds.

Growing up as childhood neighbors, Victor and Thomas often clash but also share moments of genuine friendship as they navigate the complexities of their identities on the reservation. Their bond, formed through struggles and triumphs, is a rich tapestry woven from both conflict and camaraderie.

When Arnold passes away in Phoenix, Arizona, it compels Victor and Thomas to undertake a journey to reclaim his ashes. This trip becomes more than just a quest for closure; it serves as a transformative pilgrimage, prompting both young men to face their inner turmoil, confront the shadows of their past, and seek a deeper understanding of their identities and their place in the world.

As they traverse the dry and dusty landscapes, Victor wrestles with conflicting emotions while Thomas holds a romanticized view of his adoptive father. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when a friend of Arnold’s, Suzy Song, discloses a shocking revelation: the fire that killed Thomas’s parents was not an accident, but a consequence of Arnold’s reckless choices spurred by his addiction. This startling truth sends ripples of shock through both young men, forcing them to reassess their relationships with Arnold, their own identities, and each other.

Their subsequent road trip unfolds as a poignant exploration of the human experience, revealing how two men from distinctly different backgrounds can find commonality in their shared adversities. Standing by the river, ready to scatter Arnold’s ashes, Victor and Thomas finally confront their pasts, embracing a newfound sense of acceptance and understanding that will irrevocably alter the course of their lives.