Things Behind the Sun 2001

As a budding reporter for a respected music magazine in Los Angeles, Owen embarks on a journey back to his roots in Florida, driven by two main intentions: to conduct a revealing interview with the rising local rock star, Sherry, whose haunting ballad addressing her traumatic childhood has struck a profound chord with college radio audiences. This journey isn’t just a matter of professional obligation; it’s steeped in personal motives that run far deeper.

Once childhood pals, Owen and Sherry share a complex history, intricate with shadows of his past laden with guilt. Owen carries the weight of a dark secret tied to his brother, Dan—the orchestrator of a series of grisly gang rapes against numerous young girls. This turmoil continues to haunt Owen, as he struggles with his own indirect involvement in those horrific crimes.

Throughout the narrative, Owen revisits memories through stirring flashbacks. He recalls the coping mechanism he adopted to shield himself from the harrowing sounds that escaped Dan’s room during the grotesque acts. Music became his sanctuary, a refuge against the chaos that threatened to engulf him. Sherry holds a unique place in his heart, a poignant reminder of innocence marred by tragedy; she once visited his home with a mixtape, blissfully unaware of the torment that was to ensue. Despite his attempts to remain oblivious, Owen was eventually thrust into that nightmarish reality, only realizing after the fact that it was Sherry who had suffered at the hands of his brother and his friends.

The awakening of these memories propels Owen to take decisive action against Dan, revealing the truth about his own complicity in the despicable acts. He confronts Dan and declares that he has made an effort to seek justice by sharing incriminating details regarding the rapes with his editor and a parole officer. Furthermore, Owen discloses that he has tracked down some of the twelve victims of Dan’s atrocities, all of whom are prepared to testify against him at the parole board hearing—an action that solidifies Dan’s fate in prison.

When Dan confronts Owen about his apparent betrayal, Owen’s response is both honest and impactful—driven by the love he holds for Sherry, he cannot stand idly by while the truth remains buried. This bold confrontation by Owen ignites a series of events that intertwine justice, redemption, and the battle against the unyielding grip of the past.