Sling Blade is a 1996 American drama film written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton. The film follows the story of Karl Childers, a mentally challenged man who has been incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital since the age of 12 after killing his mother and her lover. After spending most of his life in the institution, Karl is released into the world, desiring to start a new life.
With nowhere to go, Karl befriends a young boy named Frank, and together, they set out to rebuild Frank's family's engine lawnmower. Frank and his family take Karl in, and he gradually becomes a part of their lives. He bonds with Frank's kind-hearted mother, Linda, but experiences conflict with Linda's abusive boyfriend, Doyle Hargraves.
As Karl becomes more involved with the family, he reveals that he is haunted by his mother's death and has a tendency to violent outbursts. When Doyle becomes more abusive towards Linda and Frank, Karl's protective instincts kick in, and he takes matters into his own hands. The resulting events ultimately lead to a tragic conclusion, and Karl is forced to face the reality of his past.
Ultimately, Sling Blade is a poignant and powerful portrayal of one man's struggle to find redemption and forgiveness in a world that has rejected him. The film explores themes of mental illness, familial dysfunction, and the consequences of violence, all while offering a deep sense of hope and compassion.