Small Engine Repair

Small Engine Repair is a 2021 crime drama film that follows the story of three friends, Frank, Swaino, and Packie, who reunite after several years to mend their frayed relationship. The film is based on a play of the same name by John Pollono, who also directed the movie.

The movie begins with an introduction to Frank (John Bernthal), who runs a small engine repair shop in Manchester, New Hampshire. He is a former screw-up and an ex-convict who is currently living with his daughter Crystal (Ciara Bravo) and struggling to make a decent living. One day, Swaino (Shea Whigham), his childhood friend and former partner in crime, visits him after several years. Swaino brings along Packie (Jon Pollono), another old friend whom Frank hasn't seen in years.

The three of them reminisce about old times, drink, smoke weed, and watch football. They joke around and catch up on each other's lives, but their conversation takes a dark turn when they talk about a girl who once accused Frank of sexual assault. Packie reveals that he knows the girl, and he thinks that Frank is guilty. Frank becomes defensive and angry, and the three of them start to argue. However, they eventually calm down and decide to take a walk around town.

During the walk, they encounter a group of drunken college boys who harass them. Frank, who is still agitated from the discussion about the assault accusation, gets into a fight with one of the college boys and beats him up. The other college boys then threaten to call the police, and the trio decides to flee the scene. On their way back to Frank's shop, they stop at a local bar to calm their nerves. There, they meet Chad (Spencer House), a young man who claims to be a big fan of Frank's shop and asks for a job. Frank, who is impressed with Chad's knowledge of engines, hires him on the spot.

The next day, Frank, Swaino, and Packie return to the shop and repair an old engine together, just like old times. They talk about their past and how they used to have big dreams, but things didn't work out as planned. Swaino reveals that he has been sober for several years and is now married with children. Packie admits that he has been struggling with addiction and that he is currently on probation for drug-related charges.

As the day goes by, the trio grows closer, and their friendship starts to heal. They joke around and reminisce about their youth, and they even play a game of golf together. However, their new-found happiness is short-lived when a shocking event occurs that threatens to destroy everything they've built.

Small Engine Repair is a powerful and intense drama that explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption. The film features excellent performances from its cast, with Jon Bernthal, Shea Whigham, and Jon Pollono delivering some of their best work to date. The movie succeeds in creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, and it keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats till the very end. The film's tight script and excellent pacing make it a must-see for fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories.

In conclusion, Small Engine Repair is a well-crafted film that offers an engaging and thought-provoking story about the complexities of friendship and the consequences of our actions. This is a must-watch movie for anyone who appreciates excellent acting, clever writing, and a gripping storyline.