Last Day of Summer 2010

Gregory Wilks, who prefers to go by the name Joe and is portrayed by DJ Walls, is a timid and awkward man working at a burger joint. His life is far from ideal as he faces relentless bullying from his boss, Mr. Krolick, played by William Sadler. No matter how much he tries to convince himself that his circumstances aren’t as dire, deep down, Joe knows that his life is miserable. The constant humiliation he endures—like being forced to stick his arm into a toilet for cleaning or receiving a toilet brush as a birthday gift—takes a toll on his spirit. Eventually, his patience runs thin, and Mr. Krolick fires him, labeling him incompetent.

In a moment of desperation, Joe decides to purchase a gun, settling on a small handgun known as “The Junior”. He whimsically captures his frustrations on video, vowing that those who torment him will have to face retribution. He mails this video to CNN, symbolizing his desire for recognition and for his suffering to be seen. However, when he contemplates his violent plan at the burger joint, he is unable to follow through, ultimately opting to hide in the bathroom instead of acting on his intentions.

During his time in the restroom, he crosses paths with a beautiful brunette named Stefanie, played by Nikki Reed, who inadvertently captures his attention. Distracted by her presence, Joe makes an awkward attempt to engage her in conversation, but is met with indifference; Stefanie simply turns away when her phone rings, leaving Joe feeling rejected. This perceived slight sends him over the edge. In a panic, he confronts her, pulling out his gun and taking her behind a dumpster where he continues to unleash his frustrations.

While tensions escalate, Mr. Krolick becomes suspicious of Joe’s actions after finding the bullets he inadvertently dropped, prompting him to alert the police. However, the officers find no substantial evidence and dismiss his concerns. Meanwhile, Joe decides to take Stefanie to his motel room against her will. In a struggle, Stefanie manages to stab Joe with a hidden knife, yet he overpowers her and ties her up in the bathtub, leaving her frightened and confused.

As times goes on, Joe’s internal conflict manifests. He contemplates taking his own life, but finds himself unable to carry that out. Despite her predicament, Stefanie attempts to connect with Joe, highlighting her own struggles and the shared burdens of their pasts. As they spend time together, they form an unexpected bond. When Joe accidentally reveals his real name to her, Stefanie expresses disbelief upon recalling a mortifying incident from high school involving him.

Following some tension, Joe’s anger subsides, and they share personal stories about their difficult pasts, even smoking together in a moment of camaraderie. But when Stefanie discovers his video and its violent intent, horror sets in. Yet, this moment brings clarity for Joe, who recognizes that he cannot go through with his original plan.

Eventually, feeling more human than before, Joe and Stefanie leave the motel together. With a newfound sense of freedom, Joe confronts Mr. Krolick at the burger joint, giving him a piece of his mind. In a dramatic climax, he tells Krolick to “go flush himself,” asserting that he is no longer affected by the cruelty of his former boss. As Joe walks away, he feels lighter and more empowered, finally acknowledging in a voiceover that his life is beginning to look up. He disposes of his gun, symbolizing a decisive break from his troubled past.