A mentally unstable man, Karl, is released from a hospital after 20 years for murdering his mother and another person. He settles back in his hometown, where he befriends a young boy named Frank and his mother Linda. Karl's life becomes complicated when Linda's abusive boyfriend, Doyle, enters the picture, often targeting Karl's disabilities and Linda's gay friend Vaughan. As Karl grows closer to Frank, he becomes increasingly concerned about Doyle's cruel behavior.

Sling Blade
Karl Childers, a soft-spoken individual, is released from custody after being cleared of a childhood crime he didn't commit, and begins anew in a peaceful rural community.