Palm Trees and Power Lines 2023

In the scorching summer heat of Southern California, 17-year-old Lea immerses herself in carefree moments with her best friend, Amber. However, her seemingly idyllic life is shadowed by the emotional distance of her mother, Sandra, who struggles to bridge the gap between them. The absence of Lea’s father, who now lives with a new family in Arizona, further complicates their tenuous relationship.

As Lea and Amber navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, including encounters with friends and boyfriends like Jared, Lea longs for deeper emotional connections rather than mere physical interactions. One evening, while hanging out at a local diner, she catches the eye of a mysterious older man who gives her a knowing wink. Although her friends leave her behind, Lea’s curiosity compels her to linger, leading to a confrontation with the cook. In a twist of fate, the man who winked at her, Tom — portrayed by Jonathan Tucker — steps in and helps her escape the awkward situation.

Later that night, as Lea walks home under the twinkling stars, Tom pulls up beside her in his truck, offering her a ride. He shares tales of his life, revealing his own struggles with family connections that mirror her own. When Lea confides in Amber about her encounter, she downplays it by saying he’s “just another guy from school.” Meanwhile, the tension between Lea and Sandra intensifies as her mother starts rekindling a relationship with an ex-boyfriend.

As Lea continues to seek solace in Tom’s understanding nature, their emotional ties deepen. Tom opens up about his life as a small business owner, presenting an alluring image of freedom that captivates Lea. With each shared moment, Lea becomes increasingly enchanted by Tom, unaware that their bond will soon propel her into a tumultuous vortex of consequences.

When their relationship evolves into a series of intimate encounters, it culminates in a night at a modest motel. Tom claims he’s merely staying there temporarily, but when he abruptly leaves to deal with a situation above them, Lea feels a sense of disquiet. Tom reassures her of his good intentions, attributing his departure to helping a female neighbor amidst domestic chaos.

A beach date follows, where Lea’s classmate unexpectedly crosses paths with Tom, causing rumors to swirl back to Amber. Determined to keep their relationship a secret, Lea vows to remain discreet and Tom enacts a possessive grip by insisting that she shouldn’t see other men, saying, > “You’re mine.” Thrilled by this validation, Lea basks in the warmth of Tom’s affection.

While dining one day, a sharp-eyed waitress senses Lea is in a potentially harmful relationship. When Tom momentarily steps outside, she discreetly expresses her concerns, hinting at Tom’s frequent appearances with young women and offering assistance should Lea need it. When faced with this unsettling notion, Lea approaches Tom, who coolly dismisses the waitress’s comments as a misunderstanding.

As the evening progresses, Lea is swept up in a whirlwind of drinking and partying with friends, where she faces sarcastic jabs from Jared about her relationship with the “geriatric.” Her emotions boil over when she discovers Amber leaked their secret to Jared, prompting her to flee to Tom’s motel room, distraught. Tom, showing his empathetic side, comforts her with promises of undying love and gifts her a bracelet symbolizing their bond. This intimate connection prompts Lea to eagerly accept Tom’s invitation for a getaway.

However, the vacation takes a disturbing turn when Tom’s true intentions emerge. He encourages Lea to partake in an act that compromises her, leading her to a place of vulnerability with a stranger. Feeling trapped and uncertain, she seeks refuge in a warm shower, but upon attempting to escape, finds Tom waiting, ensnaring her in a constricting embrace. Later, at a restaurant, Lea seizes a fleeting moment to escape, rushing to a gas station to call Amber.

Reunited with Amber, Lea seeks comfort in familiar routines, determined to rebuild her relationship with Sandra and reconnect with her passions. Yet, despite her efforts, she can’t shake the feeling of abandonment by Tom. Her longing grows as she attempts to contact him, only to discover his number is disconnected.

Desperate for closure, Lea visits the motel, hoping for a reunion. When her knock goes unanswered, she turns to a compassionate neighbor, who reluctantly helps her. This leads to an emotional phone call with Tom that reveals both answers and lingering feelings. As Lea navigates this emotional landscape, the bonds and betrayals she faces weave together to create a poignant exploration of love, trust, and the quest for connection.