Retired coal miner Carl Short, 65, lives with his 40-year old, developmentally disabled son Sammy. Since his wife died several years ago, Carl has become Sammy's sole caretaker. He has grown extremely close to his son and relishes their time spent together. Carl suffers from black lung. Every breath he takes requires a hero's effort. When money from a class action lawsuit fails to materialize, Carl realizes his options are running out. Who will take care of Sammy when he is gone? Carl turns to Raymond Atkins, Sammy's childhood friend and protector. But Raymond is now a middle-aged, single father overwhelmed by his own problems. Rooted in the Southern Gothic storytelling tradition, 'Down in Number 5' is a tender portrait of a man pushed to his limits for the love of his son and a haunting rumination on family and community in Appalachia. Based on a true story.