The Flats (2002)

Starring Mt. Vernon native Chad Lindberg (The Velocity of Gary, October Sky, The Fast and the Furious, The Rookie) as Harper, a wise-cracking alcoholic on the cusp of adulthood, Composer Sean Christensen (Eden) as his best friend, Luke, and Jude Herrera (East of Hope Street, The Doe Boy) as Luke's college girlfriend Paige, the story picks up as Harper returns home from a work-stint on a fishing boat to appear in court where he's facing jail time. Ordered to six months at a work-ethic camp, Harper decides to make the most of his few days of remaining freedom. Self-destructive and unwilling to show any crack in his armor, Harper is zealously protected by his close friends who cannot begin to offer a haven for his vulnerability. Harper finds unexpected comfort in Luke's new girlfriend, Paige, who has returned to the Swinomish area to claim a fishing boat left to her by her uncle. With Luke's days filled with the demands of a new job, Harper and Paige spend their time exploring the safety and honesty of their emerging friendship. This leads to a test of faith for Harper and Luke and a showdown with the law Harper's ill-equipped to win.