Frank's Relationship With His Son Film Analysis

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This film is about Frank’s journey of discovering who his son is and the complications of their relationship. Frank’s relationship with Josh strengthens throughout the film until it crumbles at the end. Frank’s ex-wife Cheryl serves as the mirror to show Frank how far he’s strayed from family life. Frank’s old friend Dale serves as his ambassador to the small town and Ruth Baxter, Frank’s boss, is Frank’s guide through the legal matters. As Frank tries to reenter his son Josh’s life, he learns of his son’s immense success as a high school quarterback. The small town he plays for totes him as king for his ability on the field and small-town charm. He’s the biggest celebrity the town has ever had and he’s only 18. Frank and Josh’s interactions …show more content…

In the beginning of the second act, the town fully supports Frank’s endeavors and believes Josh to be innocent. After the midpoint where Frank is caught snooping around the home of the victim’s family and a damning news report comes out, the town turns on Frank and believes his son to be guilty. At this point Frank’s relationship with his son becomes stronger than it ever was before. So, all that Frank has left in the world is the support of his son, and that’s all he needs. Despite the relationship forming with his son, the further Frank digs into suspects in Cynthia Hanks murder, the more it points to Josh. Frank most turnover the stones of the high school, Josh’s friend’s, and Cynthia’s family to paint the picture he needs of the town. At the end of Act Two, Frank has reached yet another dead end, all leads now point towards Josh. Then enters the 10-year-old sister of …show more content…

Frank agrees to drive her back to her home but he is deathly afraid to be seen with her. Frank takes her to her house and she tells him about how Cynthia loved to go out into the woods alone very often after midnight. Frank goes where she talks about and finds Cynthia’s journal. Then plays out the long and tragic story of Cynthia Hanks. She’s been in an abusive relationship with Josh this entire time. Josh constantly berates her not upholding what he believes a great girlfriend should be. Josh lowers her self-worth, talking about what she deserves and holding his value over her while pointing out her flaws. Cynthia has tried to get help but with ambivalent parents, the resources of a small town, and Josh’s clout over the town, she has nowhere to turn to. This leads to Cynthia’s suicide note, apologizing not being enough for anyone. Frank comes to the decision to not release that Cynthia killed herself, and let his son be prosecuted for murder without any of the evidence Frank gained to help him. Frank speaks to Josh one last time to talk about the journal. Josh releases the monster he’s kept hidden onto his father and says it was Frank’s fault, citing how he had to win Frank’s attention, and would’ve been fine if his father had ever cared for him like he deserved. Frank apologizes, and leaves the room. Frank feels responsible for his son’s actions, for if he’d have been a better father, none of this would’ve

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