After a mistyped email address connects them, an American suburban dad gets sucked into the bizarre world of a vengeful, one-eyed British curmudgeon who’s been on a decades-long mission to have his brother imprisoned. It’s a bizarrely heartfelt story about bitterness, family secrets, and the things we bury in the past.

 

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How did an American suburban dad end up officiating a funeral in Scunthorpe, England, for a man he’d only known a short while? Because of a typo.

Flashback two years, as Rob Collins learns the bizarre story of Frank Carver, a vengeful British provocateur on a decades-long mission to have his brother imprisoned for allegedly stabbing his left eye out.

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Exterior of Carver's Fish Restaurant

Despite a lack of journalistic experience and the bewilderment of his wife and friends, Rob travels overseas to investigate. After struggling through Frank’s legal documents and left-side driving, he gets some local help and tracks down a source who deepens the mystery of Frank’s story.

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The investigation runs into problems. Rob uncovers conflicting evidence, and John, Frank’s brother, won’t reply to a request to be interviewed. To top it off, Frank seems to have a change of heart about the whole thing. What the hell is going on?

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Three men in tuxedos and combat helmets, their faces blacked out.

Moment of truth: Rob and his team attempts to track down and meet the dreaded John Carver, Frank’s brother. It doesn’t go as expected.


 
 
Five empty liqueur glasses on a table

His story in shambles, Rob has to figure out how to proceed. But a fortuitous tip suggests a clue to learning who Frank really is.


 
 
Dr. Michael Linden and Frank Carver

Rob brings Frank to Berlin to be evaluated by Dr. Michael Linden, a renowned psychiatrist who developed the concept of post-traumatic embitterment disorder. It’s a revelatory session.


 
 
Frank in front of an Irish pub in Berlin

Because of what happened in Berlin, Rob’s mission changes. He races against the clock of Frank’s cancer to bring reconciliation. As Frank dies, they find something better.


 
 
Hearse with casket inside, in front of funeral home, flag bearer at attention

Rob eulogizes this fascinating and deeply flawed man. Even in death, Frank has some surprises up his sleeve.