Carl, portrayed by Thornton, is free to go after spending twenty five years in a mental institution. At the age of twelve he killed two people -- one his mother. He did his time and now is supposedly rehabilitated. He is ambivalent about his freedom, but, with the help of one of his former caretakers, he's set up with a job and a place to stay in his hometown. Most of the people he meets are initially cautious around him, but he slowly builds warm friendships due to his innocence, sincerity and goodness. But life outside the institution, turns out to be much more turbulent and confusing than he has been used to.