All American Boys

In All American Boys, two teens navigate the aftermath of a violent incident that ignites racial tensions within their school and community.

In All American Boys, sixteen-year-old Rashad just wants to buy a bag of chips, but his day takes a harrowing turn when he is wrongfully accused of shoplifting. A fist-happy cop named Paul mistakes Rashad's desperate pleas of innocence for belligerence, leading to a brutal confrontation. With every punch thrown, Rashad's instinctive flinches are misinterpreted as resistance, escalating the violence and leaving him helpless on the pavement. This intense moment becomes a catalyst for a larger conversation about race and justice in America.

Witnesses to the incident include Quinn, a varsity basketball player and Rashad's classmate, who has been raised by Paul since losing his own father in Afghanistan. As news of the beating spreads, Paul faces accusations of racial brutality, and the town begins to divide. Quinn grapples with the conflicting emotions of loyalty to his mentor and the undeniable truth of Rashad's experience. The situation becomes increasingly tense as Rashad's absence from school raises questions and stirs up discussions among his friends and the community.

All American Boys delves into the complexities of race relations, friendship, and the impact of violence on individuals and society. As Rashad and Quinn navigate the fallout from the incident, they are forced to confront their own beliefs and the consequences of their choices. This powerful narrative captures the struggles of two teens caught in a moment that reverberates far beyond their small town, reflecting a national crisis that continues to resonate today.