SYNOPSIS

In Good Hands is a narrative short film about an uncle who is learning to love and heal while grieving. Ron Johnson, a jaded auto body mechanic, struggles to connect with his 11-year-old nephew, LJ Johnson, after his brother Leon’s sudden death. Ron convinces himself he’s doing the right thing by providing LJ with the expected necessities, but falls short of what LJ needs most — emotional support. 

As the two struggle to adapt to their new normal, from awkward small talk at the dinner table to unannounced social worker visits, Ron begins to question if he’s cut out to be a father. The two continue to live parallel to each other, using the outside world as a distraction to their new reality. In an attempt to be more like his dad, LJ spends his time playing pick-up basketball with the neighborhood kids after school, and in an attempt to build community, Ron performs piano in front of an audience for the first time. He relinquishes his grief and resentment into the ballad, and while the audience is captivated by his performance, a flashback montage begins. In this flashback sequence, Ron receives a letter from his brother Leon and decides to ignore it. The seasons change, time passes, and Ron continues to ignore the letter that sits on the coffee table. A year goes by, and Ron studies the unopened letter that now sits next to Leon’s funeral program. Ron reads it, and all of the years of tension and resentment between them almost fade away, as his brother apologizes and attempts to repair their relationship. But it’s too late.

Ron finishes his performance, snapping back to reality. It was too late for them, but he has a second chance with his nephew. With a clear head, Ron rushes to get home to LJ.

Meanwhile, on the basketball courts, LJ’s bike is stolen, and he fails to get it back. But to his surprise, when he gets back to the court, the team captain chooses him to be on his team. During the game, LJ barely touches the ball even though he is wide open. He finally gets the ball, goes for the open shot, and misses entirely. Embrassed, he decides to walk home.

Ron panics when he comes home to an empty house. The streetlights have been on for a while, and it’s not like LJ to be this late. Ron searches everywhere, checks the basketball courts, and even has a run-in with the bike thief, but still no LJ. Devastated, Ron returns home in shock. As he processes his next move, he hears muffled music through the walls, which ultimately leads him to LJ. Perched on the piano bench, lost in the music. Ron can’t believe his eyes. LJ pauses, fumbling at the chorus. Ron sits beside him. “Cool if we start over?” They adjust their hand placement and begin to play in harmony.