Shelter (2008)

Forced to give up his dreams of art school in order to take care of his family, Zach has become accustomed to a life where he neglects his own needs in favor of taking care of others. He spends his time working a dead-end job at a diner, and skates the urban streets of San Pedro stenciling his signature “crane” wherever he can find vacant wall space. At home he takes care of his nephew, Cody, as his older sister, Jeanne, has clearly shown that her priorities lie elsewhere. Perhaps conveniently, with all his responsibilities, he barely has time to see his long term on-again, off-again girlfriend, Tori. When his best friend’s older brother, Shaun, returns home to cure a case of writer’s block, Shaun and Zach begin hanging out. Zach sees in Shaun someone who has truly claimed his own life and embraced his talent. Zach is both intimidated and surprisingly attracted to him. The two quickly transition from casual surf buddies into a true, intimate relationship. Shaun presses Zach to take control of his life, and also develops a strong bond with Cody. As time progresses, however, a host of new issues come up. Zach struggles with his identity, his family, and friends, while trying to understand the new emotions Shaun has brought into his life. When the cat is let out of the bag, Jeanne threatens to take Cody away. Wanting nothing but the best for him, Zach is forced to decide between his pattern of always putting others’ desires first or fighting for what is really most important and appropriate for both his and Cody’s future.