Directed by
Reinaldo Marcus Green
Made by
Roadside Attractions
In May 2013, a significant moment in Joe Bell’s life unfolds as he travels along a desolate highway. During this journey, he calls his wife Lola to catch up and share the events of the day. However, his tranquility is abruptly interrupted when a speeding bus forces him to seek refuge. Coincidentally, this leads him to a local high school, where he is set to give a heartfelt speech about tolerance and acceptance to a group of impressionable students. Jadin, his son, watches from the auditorium’s rear, with a complex mix of curiosity and worry.
As Joe speaks, his words flow with emotion, illustrating the devastating impact of bullying while emphasizing the need for understanding and compassion. Jadin listens closely, likely contemplating their own struggles in silence. After the presentation, father and son camp out along the highway, their peaceful contemplation only disturbed by the distant hum of passing vehicles.
That night, as they drift into sleep, echoes of past mistakes loom over them. A flashback reveals a time, nine months earlier, when Jadin confided in Joe about the relentless bullying he faced at school, stemming from his perceived differences. Instead of offering comfort, Joe misguidedly advised his son to fight back physically, believing that was the only way to assert his worth.
Later, Lola confronts Joe, explaining that his approach won’t shield Jadin from the harsh reality of being unique. The weight of their unspoken tensions hangs in the air. The scene transitions to a sun-kissed yard in La Grande, Oregon, showcasing Jadin’s passion for cheerleading. Despite the unwavering support from his parents, Joe’s embarrassment erupts, leading to a heated exchange with Jadin.
Days morph into weeks, intensifying Joe’s internal struggles which culminate in a sincere apology to Jadin, vowing to transform and expressing unconditional love. Continuing their journey along the Idaho highway, Joe and Jadin engage in light-hearted banter about the pros and cons of La Grande versus New York City.
Amidst their playful debate, Jadin breaks into song, passionately singing Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” To his surprise and delight, Joe joins in, their voices harmonizing beautifully against the backdrop of the vast blue sky. As they pause for food at a roadside diner, a waitress’s familiar gaze hints at Joe’s presence on television, igniting an unexpected connection to current events surrounding same-sex marriage.
However, when a bar patron mutters derogatory remarks, Joe confronts him, sharing his initiative’s mission—a Walk for Inclusion. Sensing futility in the interaction, Jadin wisely notes that true change is hindered by pervasive societal attitudes rather than individuals.
The narrative delves deeply into Jadin’s tormenting experiences, revealing various episodes of bullying at school, particularly the interaction with a football player named Chance. A Halloween invitation leads to a tender kiss, while Jadin dazzles during a football game performance, facing jeers from some observers. Consequently, Joe’s embarrassment compels him and Lola to leave swiftly from the stands.
In a heartbreaking twist, as Jadin faces more online harassment, he turns to his younger brother Joseph for comfort. Joe, attempting to reassure him, faces rebuttal from Jadin regarding his inconsistency in attendance at major events. A poignant phone call with Lola surfaces her struggle with Joe’s physical absence from Jadin’s life, serving as a harsh reminder of Joe’s shortcomings.
Through the ups and downs, heartfelt moments and even dances in the rain emerge, underscoring an evolving relationship. As flashbacks unveil aspirations between Jadin and Chance, they navigate their ambitions cautiously, revealing critical dimensions about their characters.
Upon arriving in Salt Lake City, Joe immerses himself in the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with Jadin playfully prompting him about attracting potential romantic suitors. A night out at a gay bar introduces Joe to various narratives from patrons who resonate with his cause. The encounter with a charismatic drag queen serves as a catalyst, igniting both pride and a reminder of his loss—his late son.
As Joe and Jadin’s paths intertwine through poignant moments, the latter’s struggle culminates in the heart-wrenching discovery of his suicide note, rattling the core of the Bell family. A whirlwind of grief envelopes them as they grapple with the irreparable void that Jadin’s passing leaves behind.
Driven by loss, Joe resolves to walk across America, dedicated to raising awareness against bullying in honor of his son. Along his journey, Joe connects with others sharing their struggles, including a fellow father, Sheriff Westin, whose own battle resonates with Joe profoundly, fostering a bond over their shared vulnerabilities.
As the tale unfolds, emotional confrontations with Joe’s family reveal the depth of their collective agony and aspirations for healing. The narrative crescendos toward tragic realizations, leading to Joe’s commitment to continue honoring Jadin’s memory, even as he grapples with his own demons.
In a shocking and poignant closing, Sheriff Westin receives grave news about Joe, igniting a frantic realization of the fragility of existence and the enduring legacy of love and loss. Ultimately, Joe’s extraordinary journey towards understanding and healing serves as a heartrending reminder of the importance of compassion and acceptance in the face of adversity.
Joe's Journey Begins
In May 2013, Joe Bell embarks on a reflective journey along a desolate highway, seeking solace in the open road. He reaches out to his wife, Lola, to share the details of his day, beginning his path towards self-discovery and healing.
Interruptions and New Directions
During Joe's peaceful drive, his tranquility is shattered when a speeding bus forces him to divert his course. This unexpected detour leads him to a local high school where he is scheduled to give a speech about tolerance and acceptance.
A Heartfelt Speech
As Joe delivers his speech, he passionately describes the long-lasting effects of bullying while advocating for understanding. Unbeknownst to him, his son Jadin observes from the back, grappling with his own secret struggles amidst the heartfelt message.
Camping Under the Stars
After the presentation, Joe and Jadin opt for a camping night along the highway, embracing the serenity yet haunted by past regrets. Their bond is momentarily strengthened as they reflect on their relationship under the starry sky and the distant sounds of vehicles.
Flashback to Painful Moments
That night, a flashback transports viewers to nine months prior when Jadin confided in Joe about the relentless bullying he faced at school. Instead of providing comfort, Joe mistakenly urges him to retaliate, echoing misguided notions of masculinity.
Confrontation with Lola
Jaid's mother, Lola, confronts Joe about his failure to understand the gravity of Jadin's situation. This confrontation exposes deep-seated tensions in their relationship while highlighting the contrasting approaches they hold towards their son's unique struggles.
A Yard Full of Dreams
In a sunlit yard in La Grande, Oregon, Jadin thrives as he embraces cheerleading. However, Joe's embarrassment over Jadin's passion leads to a confrontation that reveals a rift in their father-son relationship and Joe's difficulty in accepting his son's identity.
An Apology and Commitment
As weeks pass, Joe experiences profound internal conflict, culminating in a heartfelt apology to Jadin. He vows to change and professes his unconditional love, marking a significant step towards mending their fractured relationship during their travels.
Singing Together
While taking a break on their journey, Joe and Jadin engage in a playful debate about their hometowns. This light-hearted moment leads into a spontaneous sing-along of Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way,' highlighting their strong bond through music and shared laughter.
Roadside Connection
During a pit stop at a diner, Joe's presence is recognized by a waitress, hinting at his growing notoriety from media coverage regarding his initiative. This moment forges an unexpected bridge between past events and present societal conversations about same-sex marriage.
Encounter with Negativity
At the diner, Joe faces derogatory remarks from a patron, prompting him to confront the negativity head-on. He speaks about his mission—a Walk for Inclusion—illustrating his dedication to combat bullying despite the challenge of societal attitudes.
Jadin's Struggles Revealed
The narrative shifts to Jadin's continuous battle against bullying, detailing his painful experiences at school. An encounter with a football player named Chance emphasizes Jadin's vulnerabilities and the emotional toll of social acceptance.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
The tumultuous journey reaches a devastating climax when Jadin's struggles lead to the heartbreaking discovery of his suicide note. This harrowing moment marks a distinct turning point, engulfing Joe and the family in overwhelming grief.
Joe's Resolute Walk
In the aftermath of Jadin's tragic death, Joe resolves to walk across America to raise awareness about bullying. His journey becomes a mission of remembrance dedicated to his son, engaging with others who share their stories of struggle.
The Depth of Loss
As Joe's journey unfolds, he forms a bond with Sheriff Westin, who shares in the grief of losing loved ones. This connection deepens Joe's understanding of compassion and serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of connection and healing through shared pain.
Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg)
Joe Bell is a father grappling with his son's tragic experiences and his own past mistakes. His journey toward healing involves learning to advocate for acceptance and understanding, revealing his vulnerability and determination. Joe's internal struggles are amplified by the weight of grief and a desire to create change.
Lola Lathrop (Connie Britton)
Lola Lathrop is Joe's supportive yet concerned wife, who challenges Joe's misguided approaches to parenting. Her unwavering love for Jadin highlights the complexities of parenting a child facing bullying. Lola represents the emotional anchor for the family, urging Joe to understand the harsh realities of their son's struggles.
Jadin Bell (Reid Miller)
Jadin Bell is Joe's son, who faces the harrowing realities of bullying at school due to his perceived differences. Through flashbacks, his emotional journey is explored, revealing his struggles for acceptance and love. Jadin's character embodies both vulnerability and resilience as he navigates the challenges of being true to himself.
Sheriff Westin (Gary Sinise)
Sheriff Westin is a fellow father who shares a deeper connection with Joe through their personal struggles. His character reflects the communal sorrow tied to loss while providing insight into the world of a grieving parent. Through their bond, Joe finds empathy and understanding that reinforces his mission.
Time period
May 2013
The events unfold in May 2013, a time marked by societal struggles for equality, especially regarding LGBTQ+ rights. It reflects a period of shifting cultural attitudes, where people began to voice out more against bullying and advocate for inclusion and acceptance.
Location
Highway, La Grande, Oregon, Salt Lake City
The journey takes place along a desolate highway, symbolizing both isolation and reflection. La Grande, Oregon, is a small town where Jadin's passion for cheerleading flourishes under the sun-kissed sky. Salt Lake City represents a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene that deeply impacts Joe as he seeks to honor his son's memory.
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Acceptance
The theme of acceptance permeates the film as Joe learns to embrace his son's identity and struggles. Through his journey, the film highlights the importance of understanding and compassion, especially in the face of bullying. Joe's transformation showcases the impact of love and support on individual growth.
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Grief
Grief is a central theme that drives Joe's character arc after the tragic loss of his son, Jadin. The film poignantly explores the depths of sorrow and the various ways individuals cope with such loss. Joe's journey becomes a powerful tribute, aiming to prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak.
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Community
A sense of community emerges as Joe interacts with various individuals during his walk across America. These encounters foster connections among those affected by bullying, illustrating the shared experiences of pain and resilience. The importance of solidarity in the face of adversity shines throughout the narrative.
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