The Family That Preys 2008

Socialite Charlotte Cartwright finds herself hosting her best friend Alice Evans’ daughter Andrea’s lavish wedding to construction worker Chris Bennett. However, Charlotte’s own son, William, and his wife Jillian, decide to elope, bypassing any chance for Charlotte to manage an extravagant reception for them.

Fast forward four years, Pam, Andrea’s sister, is married to Ben and juggles taking care of Andrea’s three-year-old son while earning extra income at their mother’s diner. Despite her finery, including designer outfits and a brand-new Mercedes, Andrea neglects to help financially at home while secretly engaging in an affair with William.

Chris aspires to establish a construction firm with Ben, but Andrea mocks his ambitions. A setback occurs when Chris is turned down for a bank loan, only to later discover that Andrea has stashed away nearly $300,000 in a concealed account. Confronted by Andrea for snooping through her private financial information, Chris learns that the funds are actually bonuses from William, and she outright refuses to support his business venture.

Determined to prove his worth, William seeks to seize control of the family business from Charlotte, believing that a recent $500 million deal he secured will validate his potential. To fund the deal, Charlotte hires Abigail “Abby” Dexter as COO and contemplates selling 10% of her shares, which would reduce her to a minority vote. With their combined votes, William and Abby suggest this strategy to Charlotte.

In a bid to unwind, Charlotte persuades Alice to embark on a spontaneous road trip in a vintage convertible. They embrace the unpredictable journey, visiting lively honky-tonks and even male strip clubs, before Alice introduces Charlotte to a communal baptism. However, the pressure builds, leading Charlotte to reveal her devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that doctors state cannot be curbed.

At a gala, both Jillian and Abby uncover Andrea and William’s affair. Following a confrontation, William dismisses Chris and Ben when Chris requests financial backing for their proposed construction company. Abby warns Andrea of the potential fallout from the affair, but Andrea remains undeterred, convinced that William will protect her interests.

After returning to Atlanta, Charlotte is confronted by Andrea over the taken $300,000, leading to a heated exchange. Andrea’s arrogance becomes apparent as Chris, feeling betrayed, retaliates. When Alice implores Andrea to mend things with Chris and end her affair, urging her to reconsider the path she is on, Andrea stubbornly refuses.

As William schemes to dominate the family business, Jillian seeks Charlotte’s guidance. Charlotte reminds her that, as a scorned woman without a prenuptial agreement, she can navigate divorce or reconciliation effectively. Tensions escalate when Chris confronts William physically on site, and Jillian issues a stern warning to Andrea, telling her to stay away from her family.

Determined to regain control, Charlotte convenes a board meeting and, with Alice’s secret backing, manages to have William ousted from the firm. It’s revealed that Alice has been receiving critical financial advice from Nicholas “Nick” Blanchett, a homeless man she had been helping. Nick’s expertise, however, had allowed him to keep moving and surviving after personal losses, and now he aids Alice’s cause.

In a climactic twist, Andrea approaches William expecting reconciliation, only to be brusquely rejected as he drives away, dismissing her claims about their son’s paternity. Heartbroken, Charlotte ultimately succumbs to her struggles and takes her own life.

In the aftermath, Chris and Ben flourish with their business, while Andrea is left haunted by guilt and jobless, struggling in low-rent conditions dependent on Chris for child support. Nick, finally recognized for his wealth, acquires a house, while William and Jillian reconcile. Alice drives away in Charlotte’s car, clutching a photo of the two, prepared to embrace a fresh start on the open road.