Set in the summer of 1979, Painted Sharks shines a spotlight on Valerie Shaver, a young mother facing the most difficult decision of her life. Living under a constant threat of violence and tortured by past mistakes, she feels trapped in a loveless and abusive relationship. Complicating matters, her daughter Ricki blames herself for her mother's pain and suffers the wrath of a father figure who resents her very existence. Desperately wanting out, Ricki and her younger sister search for a way to get rid of their bullying parent. Pushed to the breaking point, Valerie agonizes over whether to stay with the devil she knows or risk everything to take her babies and run. Just when things appear the bleakest, a stranger enters their lives. Could this lead to the freedom and happiness Valerie craves?
