Mired in his last year of high school, Matthew decides he needs a senior project. He chooses Michael, the school punching bag. Matthew's renovation begins with Gut, Michael's stepfather. Phase II addresses Michael's place in the high school pecking order. At first, the renovations seem successful, but when the project begins to unravel around him, Matthew suddenly realizes that he is in too deep to get out before it collapses. Unable to salvage his relationship with Michael, Matthew begins a second, this time with Michael's half-sister, Chrissy. The second collapse, however, is more devastating than the first, and amid the wreckage, Matthew desperately wonders if he will eventually find a way out or remain buried forever.