Turn the River 2008

Famke Janssen brings to life Kailey Sullivan, a resilient woman whose tough exterior is shaped by the many adversities she has faced. As a single mother, she struggles to reconnect with her son Gulley, who she has had to keep at a distance due to a painful divorce and the subsequent loss of visitation rights. Their bond is nurtured through a secret correspondence, where letters become their vital lifeline in navigating life’s challenges.

In her journey through the complex terrain of her past, Kailey uncovers the disturbing reality that Gulley is enduring emotional abuse from his father and is also a target of bullying at school. Driven by fierce maternal instincts, she devises a bold plan to escape this toxic situation and seek a fresh start in Canada. To gather the necessary resources, she turns to her exceptional talent as a pool shark.

With the support of her friend Teddy Quinette, Kailey embarks on a mission to organize high-stakes games at Teddy’s pool bar. Here, she faces off against formidable opponents who misjudge her tenacity and skills. With each match, she builds the financial foundation required for their escape, bringing her plan ever closer to fruition.

Before they can leave, Kailey’s journey takes a tense turn when she decides to confront her ex-husband David in a pivotal visit that ignites a series of consequential events. With Teddy’s unwavering support, she manages to secure enough money to finalize their escape plans. In a dramatic climax, just as they are about to depart, Kailey catches David off guard, using a replica handgun to handcuff him to his house. This bold move leads to a swift response from law enforcement, throwing her into a complicated confrontation with the police.

As Kailey approaches the Canadian-US border, her situation escalates dramatically. Mistaken for a threat, her bag is perceived by the police as a weapon, leading to a fight for survival. The film concludes on a poignant note, featuring a haunting flashback of Gulley entering Teddy’s pool bar for the very first time, a postcard from his mother clutched tightly in his hand. It’s a bittersweet reminder that even in the depths of despair, the strength of hope and resilience can shine through.