Once Were Warriors

After driving Jake out, Beth reaches out to her community to enact change. She begins with the children who have been left behind by their parents. It is gradual, but eventually she convinces the children to trust her and come and see her if they are hungry, in need of affection, or in need of a good cry. Beth gets investment and support which allows her to turn her initiative into a project called “Self-help.” Her living room becomes a learning space for trades and DIY skills, and her community comes to rely on her for more than just food. When a child takes an overdose of glue, they come to her for aid. When that child dies in her arms, she decides to expand her project to include a visit from the chief, Te Tupaea, every Saturday so that the Māori of Pine Block can learn about their culture, history, and language and decide to change.

Plagued by violent and gory nightmares, Jake has become unhoused in the aftermath of Beth’s accusation, moving from one offered bed to the next every night. Slowly, he loses the respect that he’s cultivated. Friends no longer speak with him and fewer people are willing to offer him a bed for the night or free drinks at McClutchy’s until none do at all.