Emerson Winger is the youngest child of chauvinistic car salesman Richard and resentful housewife Debra. Along with his bully of an older brother Tyson, the dysfunctional family celebrates moving into a beautiful new four story house. The celebration quickly turns towards confusion when Emerson makes a baffling discovery: a decaying, 7 foot tall coin operated clown tethered to a hidden room beneath their new home. 25 cents brings the aged automaton temporarily to life, where it’s capable of performing all sorts of amazingly intricate tricks and maneuvers, far beyond any human clown.

 

From then on, a divide quickly grows among the Winger household. Debra’s latent clownphobia pushes her further towards an alcoholic breaking point. Richard begins monetizing guests to come see the automaton in action, while he and Tyson regularly abuse, humiliate, and beat The Clown for fun. It’s only innocent young Emerson who attempts to understand more about the strange creature in the basement. The Clown, who is far more intelligent and sensitive than anyone realizes, quickly finds a kindred soul in the ostracized boy. But as Richard and Tyson’s demands get more cruel, and Debra’s resentment grows to a boil, Emerson finds his new friendship tested. All while we wonder, just how much more abuse can be taken?