The Beaveris a 2011 drama film directed by Jodie Foster and starring Mel Gibson and Foster in their first film together since 1994'sMaverick.

Walter Black (Gibson) is a depressed CEO of Jerry Co., a toy company nearing bankruptcy. He is kicked out by his wife (Foster), to the relief of their elder son Porter (Yelchin). Walter moves into a hotel. After unsuccessful suicide attempts, he develops an alternate personality represented by a "beaver" hand puppet found in the trash, which from then on he always has with him, and through which he communicates with other people, helping him to recover. First, he reestablishes a bond with his younger son Henry and then with his wife, although not with his elder son, Porter. He also becomes successful again at work by creating a line of Mr. Beaver Building Kits for kids.

Porter, who gets paid for writing papers for schoolmates, is asked to write a graduation speech for Norah (Lawrence). He gets emotionally attached to Norah but his father's actions with his beaver puppet embarrass him.

Walter's wife moves out of the house with the children, because he lied to her about being part of a treatment monitored by his psychiatrist. She feels she can't communicate with her husband and that the beaver is taking over him.

Part of Walter's personality wants to get rid of the beaver to get back with his family, but another part, "the beaver", wants him to stay with the "puppet". Walter who suddenly realizes what he has put his family through starts fighting with the beaver, but he does not prevail. He finally takes the "puppet" out of his life by dramatically cutting off his forearm, ("The Beaver"). He winds up getting a prosthetic hand and is placed in a psychiatric hospital.

Jerry Co. marks down the Mr. Beaver Building Kits in an attempt to distance themselves from the insane Walter.

After her speech, Norah admits publicly that she did not write it herself, and explains the value of truth and her trauma caused by her brother's death, some years ago. As a result of her awakenings Norah reconnects with Porter. Porter realizes the value of his father and gets back with him.

Out of love, Walter Black becomes himself again and returns to his normal life.