The Things We've Seen (2017) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A rural family struggles with labor unrest, loss, estrangement, and separation after violence destroys the community's stability.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Strike And Ruin

A strike at the local mill escalates into a police stand-off. A death, Rick's injury, and the burning of the mill devastate the rural community.

Key Events

• Mill Strike Begins — Workers strike at the county's sole major employer. Location: Local mill
• Police Stand-Off — Strikers confront police during the labor dispute. Location: Local mill
• A Man Is Killed — The police stand-off results in a man's death. Location: Local mill
• Rick Is Wounded — Rick is wounded as the confrontation collapses. Location: Local mill
• Brothers Escape — Ray and the wounded Rick escape from the confrontation. Location: Rural county
• Mill Burns Down — The mill burns to the ground after the strike. Location: Local mill
• Community Faces Loss — The strike and fire devastate the rural community. Location: Rural county

Warnings At Home

The Sheriff warns Ivory Joyce not to assist Ray and urges the family to leave town. Reagan seeks his absent father despite the pressure surrounding the household.

Key Events

• Sheriff Issues Warning — The Sheriff orders Ivory Joyce not to help Ray. Location: Boem residence
• Family Told To Leave — The Sheriff tells Ivory Joyce and her sons to leave town. Location: Boem residence
• Absent Father Revealed — Ray is described as a country singer and absent father. Location: Boem residence
• Son Seeks His Father — Reagan goes to find his father. Location: Rural county

A Father Returns

Ray and Rick appear at the Boem residence, provoking Ivory Joyce's anger. Ray attempts to reconnect with Reagan through guitar and an explanation of his absence.

Key Events

• Unexpected Homecoming — Ivory Joyce discovers Ray and Rick inside her home. Location: Boem residence
• Domestic Anger — Ivory Joyce reacts furiously to their presence. Location: Boem residence
• Guitar Lesson — Ray tries to help Reagan play the guitar. Location: Boem residence
• Ray Explains His Absence — Ray explains his absence while speaking with Reagan. Location: Boem residence

Burial And Escape

Rick dies from his injury, and Ray and his sons secretly bury him. Ray is arrested, escapes jail, and returns home for a final goodbye.

Key Events

• Rick Dies — Rick dies from the injury suffered during the stand-off. Location: Boem residence
• Secret Burial — Ray and his two sons secretly bury Rick. Location: Rural county
• Ray Is Arrested — The Sheriff arrests Ray later that night. Location: Jail
• Jail Escape — Ray tricks a deputy and escapes from jail. Location: Jail
• Final Family Goodbyes — Ray returns home, and the family shares tearful goodbyes. Location: Boem residence
• Ray Drives Away — Ray drives away alone after saying goodbye. Location: Dirt road
• Mother And Sons Leave — Ivory Joyce drives away with her sons. Location: Dirt road

Story Breakdown

• Mill Strike — The labor dispute establishes the community's central crisis.
  • Workers Walk Out — A strike begins at the local mill.
  • Police Stand-Off — The strike escalates into a deadly confrontation.
• Community Devastation — Violence and fire leave the rural county without its sole employer.
  • Man Is Killed — The confrontation results in a man's death.
  • Mill Burns Down — The mill is destroyed by fire.
• Sheriff's Pressure — Official pressure isolates the household and demands departure.
  • Warning At Home — The Sheriff tells Ivory Joyce not to help Ray.
  • Leave The County — Ivory Joyce and her sons are told to leave town.
• Broken Family — Reagan's search brings the absent father back into the household.
  • Father Is Sought — Reagan goes to find Ray.
  • Home Confrontation — Ivory Joyce finds Ray and Rick in her home.
• Brief Reconnection — Ray attempts to repair his relationship with Reagan before the crisis deepens.
  • Guitar Lesson — Ray tries to help Reagan play guitar.
  • Absence Explained — Ray explains why he has been absent.
• Death And Burial — Rick's injury becomes fatal and the family responds in secret.
  • Rick Dies — Rick dies from his earlier injury.
  • Secret Grave — Ray and his two sons secretly bury Rick.
• Flight And Farewell — Ray escapes custody, returns home, and separates from the family.
  • Jail Escape — Ray tricks a deputy and escapes.
  • Separate Roads — Ray leaves alone while Ivory Joyce drives away with her sons.

Directed by

Tre Manchester

Key Cast

• Randy Ryan — Rayford Boem
• Jarrett Maier — Raegan Boem
• Shani Salyers Stiles — Ivory Joy Boem
• Noah McCarty-Slaughter — Neely Boem
• John D Carver — Sheriff Pascal