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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Rushed (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Jimmy O’Brien, portrayed by Jay Jay Warren, is a college freshman who becomes ensnared in the harrowing fraternity hazing rituals, much to the ignorance of his overprotective Irish-Catholic mother, Peri Gilpin. After an agonizing night of enforced drinking, Jimmy falls into a coma, and despite the frantic attempts to save him, he ultimately succumbs to his injuries. His tragic passing sends ripples of grief through the family, yet it is the indifferent reaction from the college that propels Barbara into a spiral of sorrow and anger.

In her mourning, Barbara becomes increasingly isolated, chain-smoking and firing off angry emails to the school’s principal, creating a deep rift between herself and her three other children. As she grapples with the senseless loss, Barbara uncovers disturbing online accounts from other mothers who have lost sons to hazing. This unsettling finding ignites a fierce determination within her to act and raise awareness about this epidemic affecting college students.

Determined to make a difference, Barbara seeks help from Senator Bob Daley, a family friend portrayed by Robert Patrick, believing he could leverage his influence for the cause. However, her experience at one of his fundraising events proves disheartening when she faces indifference as he trivializes Jimmy’s death. In a fit of anger, she confronts him, but her pleas go unheard. Feeling hopeless, Barbara isolates herself further, eventually leaving a heartfelt voicemail for Jimmy, expressing her regrets about not being able to effect change in the law.

The following day, Barbara receives shocking news—a photograph has emerged from the night of the incident, revealing the appalling treatment Jimmy endured from his fraternity brothers. This revelation thrusts Barbara into a chaotic whirlwind, igniting a path of revenge and self-discovery. Surprisingly, she finds an unexpected ally in Steven Croissance, the orchestrator of the hazing, skillfully manipulated into meeting with her under the guise of a charitable gesture.

As their encounter unfolds, Barbara prepares for a confrontation that will define her future. Struggling to reconnect with life outside her home, she ultimately reaches the decision to turn herself in to the authorities, marking a pivotal moment in her pursuit of redemption. The ensuing court drama unravels her motivations, revealing that she did not pull the trigger on Steven; instead, her confession exposes her as a puppeteer orchestrating the events merely out of mischief. Throughout the trial, the prosecutor’s firm inquiries compel Barbara to confront the unbearable anguish of losing a child—a pain she vows to never inflict upon another mother, regardless of the circumstances.

Timeline

Track the key events of Rushed (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Jimmy's Hazing Begins

College freshman Jimmy O'Brien, unaware of the horrific rituals he is about to face, is initiated into a fraternity. This moment marks the beginning of a harrowing journey that will change his and his family's lives forever.

College campus

Night of the Incident

During a cruel night of enforced drinking as part of the hazing, Jimmy's condition rapidly deteriorates. The combination of peer pressure and lack of supervision leads him to a devastating fate.

Fraternity House

Jimmy Falls Into a Coma

After the harrowing night of drinking, Jimmy falls into a coma, prompting frantic attempts to save him by medical personnel. His family's hopes quickly fade as they are confronted with the grim reality of his situation.

Hospital

Tragic Passing

Despite the best efforts of doctors, Jimmy ultimately succumbs to his injuries, leaving his family devastated. His death sends shockwaves through his household, particularly affecting his mother, Barbara.

Barbara's Isolation

In the wake of her son's death, Barbara becomes mired in grief and anger, leading her to isolate herself from her family. She resorts to chain-smoking and pouring her frustrations into heated emails to the college administration.

Discovering Other Mothers' Stories

As Barbara navigates her overwhelming sorrow, she stumbles upon online accounts from other mothers who have lost their sons to similar hazing incidents. This discovery ignites a fierce determination within her to advocate against this systemic issue.

Seeking Help from Senator Daley

Determined to raise awareness, Barbara approaches family friend Senator Bob Daley to seek his influence in combating hazing. However, her hopes are dashed when she encounters his indifference at a fundraising event.

Fundraising Event

A Heartfelt Voicemail

Feeling unheard and powerless, Barbara leaves a deeply emotional voicemail for Jimmy. In her message, she expresses her regrets and the feeling of helplessness in affecting the necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.

The Shocking Revelation

The day after her voicemail, Barbara learns of a disturbing photograph that surfaced from the night of Jimmy's hazing. This image highlights the brutal treatment he faced, further fueling her desire for justice.

Meeting with Steven Croissance

In her quest for answers, Barbara meets with Steven Croissance, the hazing orchestrator, under the pretense of a charitable gesture. As they converse, Barbara prepares for the confrontation that could change her life.

Turning Herself In

Following her tumultuous encounter with Steven, Barbara decides to turn herself in to the authorities, marking a crucial pivot in her journey. This moment signifies her commitment to seek redemption for the injustice done to her son.

Local Police Station

The Court Drama Unfolds

During the ensuing court proceedings, Barbara's motivations are scrutinized, and she reveals that she did not directly harm Steven but was orchestrating events to express her sorrow and anger. The courtroom becomes a battleground for her internal struggles.

Courthouse

Facing Hard Truths

Throughout the trial, the prosecuting attorney's probing questions force Barbara to confront the deep pain of losing her child. This process ignites a vow within her to prevent other mothers from experiencing similar anguish.

Courthouse

Commitment to Change

Emerging from the trial, Barbara becomes a vocal advocate against hazing. Her journey transforms into a mission to raise awareness and push for legislative changes that protect students from such brutalities.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Rushed (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Barbara O'Brien (Peri Gilpin)

Barbara is a deeply affected mother grappling with the loss of her son, Jimmy. Her overprotective instincts are contrasted with the harsh reality of college life, and her grief transforms her into a fierce advocate for justice. As she navigates her sorrow, Barbara’s character evolves from a state of despair to one of determined resilience.

👩‍👧 Mother 😢 Grieving 🔍 Determined

Jimmy O'Brien (Jay Jay Warren)

Jimmy is a college freshman whose tragic fate sets the entire story in motion. His innocence and the pressure to conform to fraternity culture lead to devastating consequences. Through Jimmy's character, the film poignantly illustrates the often overlooked risks associated with college life and peer pressure.

👦 Student 😇 Innocent

Senator Bob Daley (Robert Patrick)

Senator Daley serves as a family friend who initially appears to be a source of support for Barbara. However, his indifference and trivializing of the tragedy highlight the disconnect between political figures and the realities of those affected by hazing. This disillusionment adds to Barbara’s determination to fight for justice.

👨‍💼 Politician ❌ Indifferent

Steven Croissance (Jake Weary)

Steven is portrayed as the orchestrator of the hazing rituals that lead to Jimmy's tragic fate. His character embodies the complexities of guilt and responsibility as he unexpectedly becomes an ally in Barbara's quest for closure. Steven's interactions with Barbara force both characters to confront the consequences of their actions.

😈 Antagonist 🤔 Complex

Setting

Uncover the settings of Rushed (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The events of the film occur in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern struggles within college life. It addresses current societal issues related to fraternity hazing and the impact on families, indicative of the ongoing discourse surrounding campus safety and student well-being.

Location

College Campus

The movie primarily takes place on a college campus, a place often associated with youth, learning, and social experiences. Fraternities on such campuses are known for their brotherhoods and often controversial hazing practices that can lead to tragic outcomes. This environment serves as a backdrop to the emotional turmoil and societal issues explored in the film.

🏛️ College 🏙️ Urban

Themes

Explore the core themes of Rushed (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Grief

Grief is a central theme as the film explores the devastating impact of loss on Barbara and her family. Following the tragic death of her son, Barbara's emotional turmoil becomes palpable, driving her towards isolation and anger. Her journey illustrates how grief can warp relationships and lead to an intense desire for change.

⚖️

Justice

The pursuit of justice is another prominent theme, as Barbara seeks accountability for her son's death. Her fight against the indifference of the college system and her confrontation with the alleged perpetrator exemplify the broader struggle for justice in cases of hazing. The film depicts how personal loss can fuel a mission for societal reform.

🧠

Awareness

The theme of awareness is highlighted through Barbara's discovery of online communities of mothers who have faced similar tragedies. This realization sparks her determination to raise awareness about the dangers of hazing within college environments. Her journey emphasizes the importance of dialogue and change in preventing future tragedies.

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