This is a story of the power of affection between two people who are often considered "handicapped" in the public eye. One is an ex-con named Eddie Palmer and the other is a boy named Sam (Ryder Allen), who shows female-like tendencies. Palmer (played by Justine Timberlake) used to be a high school football athlete. Declared parole and a sentence of 12 years in prison, Palmer returns to the home of his grandmother, Vivian (June Squibb), and works as a janitor at the school where Sam studies. Sam is the only son of Shelly (Juno Temple), whose family lives in a trailer caravan that is allowed to take hold near Vivian's house. Sam often stays at Vivian's house, especially when his parents are away. Not long after that Vivian died. Sam is still at Vivian's house. His parents have been out of town for a long time. Since then Palmer has taken care of Sam. The relationship between the two is getting closer. Palmer has tried several times to divert Sam's interest in items and clothes that are generally liked by men, but Sam still prefers dolls, cartoon characters and clothes for girls, etc. But, it does not change the strength of affection between them.
In this film, which is directed by Fisher Stevens, based on a script by Cheryl Guerriero, Palmer has a close relationship with Sam's teacher, Maggie (Alisha Wainwright). The conflict is getting sharpened when one day Sam comes home crying. He received insults from some of his friends' fathers. This ignites Palmer's emotions. He beats up the person (it is revealed, the case that got Palmer imprisoned actually also involved a number of his friends, including those who insulted Sam, but Palmer was silent). Meanwhile Shelly also shows up, trying to reclaim Sam. Palmer sees that Shelly is not quite ready to be a good mother for Sam. Shelly travels a lot, is addicted to drugs, and frequently quarrels with her husband, who is abusive. One day Sam is transported by the Child Protection Service. Palmer tries to apply for custody of Sam, but is unsuccessful. Palmer takes Sam away, when Sam's parents have a big fight and Sam is physically threatened. But Palmer realized that is not true. He takes Sam home and is detained by the police who are with Shelly near the caravan. As the car carrying Palmer closes and runs, Sam bursts into tears, breaks free from his mother's arms, goes to the car and chases Palmer until he is left in the distance. The next day, Palmer is released. Shelly retracts the kidnapping claim. In fact, she later gives the child custody to Palmer.This story is a social critique affirming that compassion is everywhere. Strong and sincere relationships often occur not because of incest. Not at someone's house. Affection arises because of sensitivity, caring, accepting, non-demanding, willingness to sacrifice. Compassion arises because of awareness and acceptance of shortcomings, as well as a willingness to complement each other. ****
