After losing his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident, a grieving father spirals into depression, causing him to lose custody of his three-year-old son. Years later, working a dead-end job, he unexpectedly crosses paths with his now-older son—an aspiring basketball star—secretly mentoring him on the court. But as his son's foster family moves to adopt him, the father must fight against time, his past mistakes, and the legal system to reclaim the boy who doesn’t know he’s, his father.

SYNOPSIS:

Steve Johnson, a successful financial advisor in Fresno, California, had the perfect life—until a tragic car accident takes the lives of his wife and unborn child. Overwhelmed by grief, he spirals into depression, losing custody of his three-year-old son. Years later, Steve is a shadow of his former self, working at a local grocery store, disconnected from the world—until fate intervenes.

When his now-almost teenage son unexpectedly walks into his store, Steve is stunned but remains silent about their connection. He follows the boy to a local park, where he watches him struggle to teach himself basketball. Seeing an opportunity to reconnect, Steve offers to coach him for free, never revealing that he is his father. As the years pass, their bond grows, and the boy becomes one of the top high school basketball players in the state. But just as Steve begins to hope for a second chance, the boy’s foster family moves to adopt him and relocate. With time running out, Steve must confront his past failures and fight for the son he lost—before it’s too late. With themes of loss, resilience, and fatherhood, By your side blends the emotional depth of The Pursuit of Happyness with the sports-driven inspiration of Coach Carter.