Like Father Like Son (2025) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Eli tries to build a future with Hayley while struggling against the violence and family history that continue to shape his choices.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Schoolyard Killing

Eli works with Gabe at a school, where Lonnie bullies him and destroys his comic book. Gabe intervenes, kills Lonnie, and is later convicted and sentenced to death.

Key Events

• Eli Works with Gabe — Eli works with his father Gabe cleaning a school. Characters: Eli, Gabe Location: School
• Lonnie Bullies Eli — Lonnie Walker bullies Eli and destroys his comic book. Characters: Eli Location: School
• Gabe Intervenes — Gabe intervenes in Lonnie's confrontation with Eli. Characters: Gabe, Eli Location: School
• Gabe Kills Lonnie — The confrontation becomes violent, and Gabe kills Lonnie. Characters: Gabe, Eli Location: School
• Eli Calls 911 — Eli calls 911 and reports that his father killed someone. Characters: Eli, Gabe Location: School
• Gabe Is Sentenced — Gabe is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Characters: Gabe, Eli Location: Unspecified

A Difficult New Life

Years later, Eli tries to build a life outside prison and struggles to find work before getting a delivery job. His relationship with Hayley becomes increasingly fraught.

Key Events

• Eli Struggles Outside Prison — Years later, Eli struggles to find work while trying to build a life outside prison. Characters: Eli Location: Unspecified
• Eli Gets Delivery Work — Eli eventually gets a delivery job. Characters: Eli Location: Unspecified
• Eli Attacks Hayley — After an argument, Eli attacks Hayley and is horrified by what he has done. Characters: Eli, Hayley Location: Unspecified

Promises and Plans

After hurting Hayley, Eli acknowledges his actions and promises to protect her. They plan to leave for San Diego, while Tzipora offers practical help and Hayley raises the possibility of pregnancy.

Key Events

• Eli Promises Protection — Eli admits he should not have hurt Hayley and promises to protect her. Characters: Eli, Hayley Location: Unspecified
• They Plan to Leave — Eli and Hayley plan to go to San Diego using money Eli took from his former employer. Characters: Eli, Hayley Location: Unspecified
• Tzipora Offers Help — Tzipora gives them rent money and invites them to a Rosh Hashanah dinner. Characters: Eli, Hayley, Tzipora Location: Unspecified
• Hayley Mentions Pregnancy — Hayley says she may be pregnant and that she feels safe with Eli for the first time. Characters: Eli, Hayley Location: Unspecified

Violence Shadows the Future

When Hayley urges Eli to become a better father than Gabe, Eli claims he is different but strikes her with a rock. Hayley later reports finding work, while news of the shooting at her mother's home leaves their future uncertain.

Key Events

• Eli Strikes Hayley — After Hayley urges him to be a better father than Gabe, Eli insists he is different and strikes her with a rock. Characters: Eli, Hayley Location: Unspecified
• Hayley Finds Work — Hayley says she has found server work and hopes to become a manager. Characters: Eli, Hayley Location: Unspecified
• News of the Shooting — The future remains uncertain after Hayley learns her mother and Tom were shot in her home. Characters: Hayley, Mrs. Walker, Tom Location: Mrs. Walker's home

Story Breakdown

• Schoolyard Violence — A bullying incident escalates into a killing that permanently changes Eli's life.
  • Destroyed Comic — Lonnie bullies Eli and destroys his comic book.
  • Gabe Intervenes — Gabe steps into the confrontation and kills Lonnie.
• Gabe's Conviction — Eli reports the killing, and Gabe faces the consequences of his actions.
  • 911 Report — Eli calls 911 and says his father killed someone.
  • Death Sentence — Gabe is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.
• Eli Rebuilds — Years later, Eli attempts to establish a life outside prison.
  • Job Search — Eli struggles to find work.
  • Delivery Work — Eli eventually gets a delivery job.
• A Fraught Relationship — Eli and Hayley pursue a relationship marked by conflict and his violence.
  • First Attack — Eli attacks Hayley after an argument and is horrified afterward.
  • Promise to Protect — Eli admits he should not have hurt her and promises to protect her.
• Leaving Town — Eli and Hayley consider a fresh start in San Diego.
  • San Diego Plan — Eli plans to use money taken from his former employer for the move.
  • Tzipora's Gift — Tzipora offers rent money and invites them to dinner.
• Hopes for Family — Hayley shares hopes and concerns about their possible future as parents.
  • Possible Pregnancy — Hayley tells Eli she may be pregnant.
  • A Better Father — Hayley urges Eli not to repeat Gabe's behavior.
• Violence Returns — Eli's claim that he is unlike Gabe is contradicted by his actions.
  • Rock Attack — Eli strikes Hayley with a rock.
  • Uncertain Future — Hayley finds work, but news of a shooting at her mother's home darkens their prospects.

Directed by

Barry Jay

Key Cast

• Dylan Flashner — Eli
• Ariel Winter — Hayley
• Vivica A. Fox — Louise
• Mayim Bialik — Anabelle Weiss
• Dermot Mulroney — Gabe