Sonny 2002

Sonny returns to the vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans after completing his three-year military stint. His mother, Jewel, is both astonished by his unannounced arrival and excited at the prospect of him resuming his previous work as a male escort catering to older women. Having a history in the trade herself, Jewel believes that if her son partnered with Carol, her new recruit who seems to be thriving, they could rake in substantial income—Sonny servicing the women while Carol handles the men.

However, Sonny has different aspirations. His friend Jesse from the army has promised him a position at his father’s bookstore in Texas, and all he needs is a decent wardrobe and some travel funds. While shopping for suits, he runs into Meg, a familiar face from his past clientele, who expresses lingering interest in him.

Jewel’s boyfriend, Henry, a petty thief struggling to make ends meet, tries to console Sonny with a drink, sharing that though it’s too late for him to change his path, Sonny still has the chance to pursue a meaningful life. Soon after, Sonny and Carol become intimate, and she is so impressed with his talents that she not only compensates him but also lends him a car she borrowed from Troy, a suitor who is eager to marry her.

Upon arriving in Texas, Sonny’s hopes are dashed when he learns there’s no job to be had; Jesse’s father has passed away, leaving behind debts and a new owner for the bookstore. Yet, Jesse suggests a double date with his girlfriend’s sister, Gretchen—something Sonny is hesitant about as he has never had an actual date.

After an enjoyable day spent together, Sonny ends up in bed with Gretchen, who jokingly insinuates he should consider doing that for a living since his job prospects have disappeared. When she reacts poorly to the revelation of his past, she attempts to medicate herself with cough syrup, prompting a furious outburst from Sonny, which results in an emotional confrontation that drives him away.

In a twist of fate, a contact from a whorehouse sets Sonny up with Meg again, who is currently alone due to her husband being out of town. Although she can’t pay him the full amount he usually charges, she promises referrals in exchange for his services, which he reluctantly accepts.

Sonny’s journey through the industry continues as he puts on an expired police uniform to please an older woman with a niche fetish. His disgust culminates in a violent episode that leaves him grappling with his choices and the life he leads.

Meanwhile, Jewel’s desperation for money drives a wedge deeper in her relationship with Henry, who, after a brief winning streak at gin, ends up tragically deceived by fate when he dies in an accident. This revelation shocks Sonny when Jewel confesses that Henry is actually his father—information previously withheld from him—leading to an explosive reaction that sees Sonny spiraling into drunkenness and a confrontation with Acid Yellow, the madam of a gay brothel.

After a chaotic altercation fueled by his pent-up anger, Sonny tries to piece his life back together. When Carol informs him of her upcoming marriage to Troy, Sonny is left with a bittersweet pang of loss, feeling unworthy and contemplating a life of unfulfilled desires as he watches her drive away, crying, with his heart weighed down by regret and unmade choices.

“He was an accident,” Carol laments, as they confront the emotional turmoil ensuing from their tumultuous lives.