Before I Disappear 2014

Richie finds himself overwhelmed by a whirlwind of stress stemming from his longing for his girlfriend, Vista, joblessness, and the overpowering effects of drug use. Confronted with the grim reality that today might be his last due to being broke and unable to buy more drugs, his world takes an unexpected turn when his estranged sister, Maggie, suddenly reaches out. She urgently requests him to pick up her daughter, Sophia, from school. Despite their five-year silence, Richie reluctantly agrees to help.

Upon arriving at the school, he encounters the detached demeanor of the young girl, which does not bode well for their meeting. After a quick exchange, Richie departs with Sophia and heads home, only to discover that his friend mistakenly provided him with menopausal medication instead of his usual supply. When Maggie calls back angrily, having learned he left Sophia unattended, Richie feels compelled to act. Following Maggie’s instructions, he returns to her apartment to collect Sophia, who is now in distress due to her mother’s predicament.

As they spend time together, Richie attempts to connect by reminiscing about his creative past, sharing stories of how he used to draw cartoons for flip books, one character in particular named Sophia, which Maggie adored. However, his drug-induced haze clouds his judgment, and rather than taking her home, he opts for a detour. Their visit to a bowling alley reveals Sophia’s preference for completing her homework over engaging in games, much to Richie’s dismay. During this time, he encounters Gideon, the alley’s owner, who inquires about his own daughter, but Richie finds himself unable to provide a truthful reply.

Seeking something more familiar, Richie takes Sophia to his old apartment to retrieve his flip books; however, the visit frightens the young girl. Fortunately, the sight of the flip book soothes Sophia, but Richie’s worsening condition leads him to bleed unexpectedly, prompting Sophia to rush to his aid. Their bond deepens as he explains the backstory behind his strained relationship with her mother. The chaotic day culminates when they attempt to return to Maggie’s place but are barred by security due to Richie’s earlier disruption.

Ultimately, Richie makes his way back to Gideon to confess the truth about his day, only to be haunted by visions of Vista. As he tries to comprehend his tumultuous reality, the numerous challenges he faces become increasingly perplexing, leaving both Richie and Sophia navigating through a maze of family complications and emotional turmoil.