Plot

"Sam and Joe" tells the story of an abusive relationship that refuses to end. Eventually, they do find the strength to separate and Sam is given the perfect opportunity to start again with her boss, Eric. But ultimately, her deep feelings for Joe and his efforts to win her back succeed. Soon the violent, alcohol ridden pattern of their love re-emerges and as is so often the case, the story ends tragically.—Jason Ruscio

A man, Joe (Michael T. Ringer), orders two cups of coffee at a Cafe. We see a woman, Sam (Petra Wright), who is meeting with Joe. We later learn that they are meeting to rekindle their relationship after a terrible divorce. Joe, is a violent alcoholic and abuser. Sam, a beautiful woman who is optimistic, kind and gentle but is slightly naive.

We see Joe driving into a motel for the night. He goes out for a drink at a bar. There, he meets a friendly girl named Lisa (Gina Philips). They get drunk and talk about life, jobs and relationships. It is revealed through this dialogue that Joe has a child, Owen. They later head to Joe's room to have sex. While there, they talk, again, about old relationships. Lisa wonders if Joe is worried Sam will find out about the one night stand. He reveals his wife is dead, and that he killed her. At first, Lisa laughs. She realizes that Joe isn't kidding around. She becomes shocked.

Sam is eating breakfast with her child, Owen (Eugene Blakely). They talk about Owen's dreams that he has had and later leave for school.

Sam has a chat with her friend, Kate (Dawn Cody). They chat about their partners, with Kate being upbeat about her partner while Sam is more hesitant to speak about Joe. Sam changes subjects to her new job as a secretary working for a construction company called "Davis Construction", owned by Eric.

At the office, Eric (Jeffrey Donovan) asks her to grab a bite to eat with him at a burger joint. She agrees. Eric is the man that Sam deserves, the complete opposite of Joe. Eric is charming, kind and thoughtful.

They eat and chat about their respective relationships. Sam about Joe, which she says she ended things. More specifically, divorced him. Eric realizes how difficult it will be for Owen, given his age. Eric also chats about his own relationships. One being a girlfriend he had for five years when he was age 16 to age 21. Saying that he broke up clean and maintained good relations since. And how one day, they woke up and just looked at each other and knew that it was the end.

We see Joe in prison, where, during a visit, he talks to his friend Roger (Rod McLachlan). They discuss life and how things are going.

Sam and Eric's relationship take a new turn when Eric asks Sam out for dinner. She accepts.

At dinner, Eric offers a raise to Sam and cites the business doing well, as well as her contributions. They talk about their relationships further, and eventually Eric reveals that he has a crush on her. He invites her to his home and she accepts.

They drink, make out and wake up after having sex.

Sam has to leave as she must pick up Owen. They exchange goodbyes. Eric is especially pleased and is clearly in love.

Back in prison, Joe and his lawyer (Shem Bitterman) talk about his appeal. His lawyer reveals the appeal was rejected, given the circumstances.

Eric and Sam are now a couple and have a play date in the park with their kids. Julie (Danielle Paige) and Owen, respectively.

Sam and Kate are having their usual chat when Kate brings up a note Joe left Sam. Sam is hesitant to open it. Kate believes she should go back. Sam furiously disagrees and leaves.

Eric and Sam watch Jaws and eat popcorn, chatting about Kate but doesn't disclose what actually happened between the two. Eric, humorously, offers to mediate as Dr. Phil.

Eric gets Sam Jaws, as a gift and offers to pick her up later. She agrees, but she receives a phone call from Joe, wanting to talk about things. She gives it a thought.

She later calls Eric to cancel plans and says she feels sick. Obviously, this is a lie. Sam intends on reconnecting with Joe, to rekindle feelings.

We then cut back to the scene from the beginning, when they are getting coffee.

Eric and Sam argue. Sam wants to make things work with Joe. But Eric staunchly disagrees, citing it as a bad idea due to Joe's alcoholism. Sam rejects this, she believes he has quit his addiction. Eric believes it is a trap to get her back into a relationship with him.

In prison, Joe gets a visit from Eric. Eric voices his disdain and hatred toward Joe. Joe remains largely indifferent.

Joe is drinking with his buddy Roger and gets severely drunk.

In prison, Joe receives a visit from Lisa, the girl he had a one night stand with. They chat and seems largely cordial until Lisa triggers Joe by saying he seems like a good person. Joe is upset by this comment and promptly leaves.

Joe and Roger get into a fight about how Roger is supposedly calling the shots and bossing Joe around. Roger suggested he stay at his place for the night, due to his drunkenness. Joe pushes Roger to the ground and walks home. At home, Joe gets into an argument with Sam. Sam walks away and Joe follows. Joe ends up killing Sam.

We then see him pulling into the motel from the start of the film. And his admission to Lisa about killing his wife.