Mean Creek 2004

At a middle school nestled in a small town in Oregon, 14-year-old George Tooney gears up to record his free throw attempts on the basketball court by setting up a camera. During his session, he is interrupted by the timid Sam Merrick, who picks up the camera to take a look. Feeling defensive and angered, George resorts to violence and beats up Sam. Seeking solace, Sam confides in his older brother Rocky and his budding girlfriend Millie, who encourages him to rise above the bullying.

Rocky, in turn, shares his concerns with his friends Clyde and Marty, both of whom are familiar with George’s notorious reputation as a bully—having teased Clyde in the past about having two gay dads. While they all agree on the importance of standing up for Sam, their methods to address the issue vary greatly. Clyde, being sensitive and somewhat of an outsider himself, is inclined to take a more passive approach, while Marty, who grapples with anger and trauma stemming from his father’s suicide, his mother’s indifference, and abuse from his older brother, prefers a more aggressive plan for revenge.

To confront George, they come up with a scheme where they invite him to a fake birthday party for Sam. George, who is eager for social acceptance, readily agrees. The plan involves a trip to a local creek where they’ll engage in a game of Truth or Dare, intending to embarrass George by coercing him into stripping down and jumping into the lake, leaving him to embarrassingly return home without clothes.

When the group—comprised of Sam, Rocky, Marty, Clyde, and an unaware Millie—arrives at George’s house, he is busy making entries in his video diary. They leave, with George handing Sam a lavish water gun as a gift, and the group makes a pit stop at a convenience store where they encounter Marty’s obnoxious older brother.

Throughout their journey, it becomes evident that George, despite his persistent annoyance and harsh demeanor, is desperately trying to fit in, using aggression as a facade. He even opens up about having a learning disability, hoping for acceptance. As they approach the boat, Sam confides in Millie about their plan, and she grows sympathetic toward George, urging Sam to reconsider the scheme.

Once on the boat, George tries to connect with the group, his attempts reflecting a persistent awkwardness. However, during a pit stop, Sam pressures Rocky and Clyde to abandon the plan, and they both agree. When they inform Marty, he reacts with fury but grudgingly acquiesces. The game of Truth or Dare soon commences, and as George attempts to enjoy himself, his aggression starts to escalate, slowly wearing down Marty’s patience.

After an ill-timed comment about fathers, Marty’s frustration boils over, and he reveals their secret plan to George. Feeling betrayed, George unleashes a verbal onslaught on the group, particularly targeting Marty and Clyde. In an explosive moment, he taunts Marty about his father’s suicide, igniting a physical altercation that results in George falling off the boat.

Struggling in the water, George’s inability to swim becomes apparent, and for a moment, no one jumps in to save him. After a brief struggle, he is knocked on the head, eventually sinking under the surface. It is only then that the others dive in, but tragically, despite Millie’s desperate attempt to revive him with CPR, George is already deceased.

Left in a state of shock and despair, Marty concludes that their only option is to bury George’s body. While Rocky and Millie suggest going to the police to report the accident, Marty vehemently opposes this idea, fearing that the video camera left in the creek documents his confession about the dreadful plot. Reluctantly, they bury George and return to the location of Marty’s car. Marty speaks covertly to his brother to ensure there are no loose ends tied to their actions.

Overwhelmed by guilt, the group gathers at Sam and Rocky’s house and decides they must confess to the police. Marty, however, feels furious that the decision was made without him, leading him to flee with a gun from his brother and hold up a gas station out of desperation.

Meanwhile, the remaining group visits George’s home to break the heartbreaking news to his family. The scene swiftly transitions to a police station where officers interrogate Sam about the confrontation. Investigators retrieve George’s camera and review the footage, including his video diary that showcases his aspirations for fame, acceptance, and his unique perspective on life. Ultimately, George’s body is exhumed before the somber gaze of his mother, Sam, and the police.