Eric Wilson (Andrew Garfield) is given a new identity when he is released – Jack Burridge, in order to help him readjust life after spending years in juvenile prison for murder. Under the help from a rehabilitation worker Jake is given a job and a place to live.
No matter what he had done in the past, Jack seems to be a genuine, good person. From the fresh backs of his childhood we know he was brought up in a broken family, alcoholic father and a mother dying from cancer. Constantly being bullied. He was never a bad kid. When the bad influence and malevolent Philip Craig came to the picture, Jack quickly follow suit Philip’s behaviours maybe his loneliness drive to the hands of evil. Later we learnt that Philip was sexual abused by his brother. It seemed to explain his provocative actions.
This is not a typical get back to the society story, it’s about a kid never once has stepped his feet into the world. The movie did not mention any of his imprisonment. It starts from his last day of prison. He has been living in discipline almost his entire life. His soul is purified and innocent. How he interacts with the actual world is compelling to watch but yet brutal.
Something is haunting Jack, the real reason why his friend Philip Craig (the second defendant of the drastic murder) reported committed suicide but Jack suggested it was the opposite. Neither of boys took the sole responsibility of the murder, neither of them gave any detail to determine who should be locked longer. Which implies the close bond between the boys. The story implicated Philip was the troublemaker. And it was Philip who started it. The story never reveals the truth but it was obvious.
From the beginning of the movie we could almost predict the ending. Why he has to change his identity? Which implies people are not forgetful, in order to live a better life one must change ones name to penetrate the people without a trace. How ironic people say giving others second chance which only implies to those with minor record.
People are not perfect, and every single one of us deserves a second chance. We have no right to deprive others’ chances because of our prejudice and preconception.
