Summaries

Synopsis

Former Washington, DC Police Lieutenant and Afghanistan veteran, Harry Hill, lies in his hospital bed, a result of an attack by rioters in a violent protest at the pentagon. Still suffering from PTSD from his time in the Army, he continually flashes back to his combat traumas. He receives a letter from his best friend during his Army days, Maxie Montana, who first met Harry at a Maryland VA hospital, where Harry was recovering from bullet wounds and trauma. Maxie was there too, recuperating from severe burns, multiple fractures, and other injuries he sustained in Afghanistan from an IED explosion under his vehicle. Despite their ages, racial, and philosophical differences, Harry and Maxie quickly became good friends. Maxie's note implies that he needs Harry's help. This propels Harry to leave the hospital, without permission, jump on his 1993 Harley Wide Glide motorcycle and head out West; to Justice, a small, unincorporated town in the California High Desert. A lawless town with no police department. Harry's first clue about the trouble hinted at in Maxie's letter comes when he's nearly ridden off the road by two tough bikers wearing black leathers with a patch, THE HEAD CRUSHERS most prominent. Harry finally arrives at Maxie's place, incongruously called "Oceanside Moto Repare," he smiles at the misspelling, knocks at the door. Their reunion is gratifying for both. But Harry senses a problem, asks Maxie what's going on. Maxie takes Harry for a tour of the town, ending up in front of what was once a Catholic church but is now the headquarters and clubhouse of The Head Crushers. Maxie tells Harry that the leader of the gang, Hog Hawley, has designs to take over the town and turn it into a haven for criminals. Hawley's family history goes back to his great granddaddy, who was a hustler, a ruffian, a petty crook, and one of the original convicts freed when the State closed the prison that used to sit on the land that's now the town. Many of the convicts freed stayed in the area, establishing an independent town, wryly called Justice. Like his grandfather, Hog has the same traits, running wild in town since he was a kid; stealing and selling dope; hiring himself out as muscle to make a few bucks; and becoming a bully who pushed people around at will and got away with it. Primarily because there was and is no law in Justice to stop him. Harry meets Hog when Maxie and he stop at the local eatery, The Cactus Corner. The waitress, CATRINA CORTEZ, mid 20's, of the Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians, very pretty, and a free-spirited waitress, steps up to their booth, coffee pot in hand. Harry smiles. At that moment, Hog crashes through the door, sees Harry and Catrina, takes offense, believing that Catrina is his property. The confrontation lasts only a moment, but in that moment, the antagonism and rivalry between Harry and Hog is cemented. The rivalry accelerates when one night, when Maxie takes Harry to a popular high desert music bar in Pioneertown called, Pappy & Harriett's. The place is packed. Standing room only. Harry and Maxie sit near the front enjoying the music and a cold beer when Harry spots Catrina sitting on the other side of the stage with her friend, SAMMY G, the local town handyman. Catrina catches Harry's glance and they exchange warm smiles. Harry's gaze is diverted when Hog and five of his leathered thugs enter. With nowhere to sit, Hog grabs a chair out from a table where a young HIPSTER COUPLE from LA are sitting. The hipster guy confronts Hog, but Hog back slaps the hipster, knocking him crashing into tables. Harry intervenes challenging Hog to "take it outside" where the two of them can square off. The arrival of the county Sheriff, called by the bartender, averts a fight between them, but not before Hog swears revenge. Later, Hog decides it's time to begin to establish his dominance over the town. He and his gang attack the town's small central district, breaking windows, threatening people and generally creating havoc. Harry and Catrina are having dinner together when she receives a call telling her about the havoc being wreaked. Harry runs out to see what he can do, his police instincts taking over. He confronts some of Hog's biker gang and is able to quell the violence, until one Head Crusher rides straight at Harry, who is able to swerve out of the way and the biker crashes into Cactus Corner, killing a waitress and friend of Catrina's. The rest of the gang turn and head back toward their clubhouse. Harry wants to follow, but both Catrina and Hog convince him he's outnumbered and to do so would be suicide.

Later, Harry and Maxie sit in front of the repair shop, where Harry explains to Maxie that he is going to leave. He just cannot deal with any more combat. Then Catrina rides up on her bike, to convince Harry to please stay. He's adamant, but suggests they take a ride somewhere and talk. On their way, they're confronted by Hog's men, who ambushes them and beat up Harry. Meanwhile, Hog and more of his gang, have attacked Maxie. A gunfight leads to Maxie's house being set afire and Maxie being burnt alive. Hearing the gunfire and seeing smoke, the bruised and battered Harry, and Catrina, rush back to find the house in smoldering ruins and Maxie dead. The violence shakes up Harry, his PTSD returning. He feels he cannot deal with more confrontation and decides he has to leave town. Catrina tries to change Harry's mind to no avail. Regretfully, he leaves. That night, he settles into a campsite in Joshua Tree, finally finding some peace. But it is short-lived when a distraught Sammy G drives in with his truck, telling Harry thatHog kidnapped Catrina. Without a thought, Harry jumps on his bike and rides out to confront Hog and his gang. He shows up at the Head Crushers headquarters and challenges Hog to a mano a mano bike race. If Hog wins, Harry leaves. If Harry wins, Hog releases Catrina and clear out of town. Hog accepts. Though, whatever the outcome, Hog's not going anywhere. Justice is his town.The race is on. Harry is constantly sabotaged by Hog's bikers along the route, but he manages to survive each attempt to foil him. Hog, ahead in the race, sees Harry catching up. Taking his eyes off the road, causes him to run into a giant desert tortoise,sending his bike crashing. Harry passes him, winning the race. As expected, Hog claims the race is fixed, that he was sabotaged. He and his bikers confront Harry and a crowd of the town's citizens who support Harry. Instead of letting Catrina free, Hog and his men attack Harry and create mayhem. Then Harry and Hog square off. HeadCrushers intervene, surrounding Harry, grabbing him from behind, as Hog beats on him, then draws his gun. In the chaos, Harry retrieves his service revolver, and before Hog can fire, shoots him, killing Hog. Sirens announce the arrival of a squad of Riverside County Sheriffs. They arrive and begin arresting Head Crushers, though some ride out, leaving Justice behind now that Hog is dead. With peace finally restored, and the town of Justice back in the control of residents, Harry has to leave. Reluctantly, Catrina says her goodbyes as he rides off into the high desert from whence, he came. In the end, Justice found its true democracy in the same principles by which it was founded.

This is a Best Screenplay Winner at the 2024 Veterans in Media & Entertainment Competitionsponsored by Lionsgate Films & Grindstone Releasing company.