Big Eden 2001

As the sun-kissed summer of 2000 envelops New York, Henry Hart, a celebrated artist grappling with his identity as a gay man, is unexpectedly drawn back to his roots when he receives alarming news from an old friend, Grace Cornwell: his grandfather, Sam, has suffered a stroke. Against the advice of his loyal assistant, Mary Bishop, who urges him to remain in the city, Henry feels an undeniable pull to return to his quaint hometown of Big Eden, Montana. He bids farewell to the bustling city life and steps back into his childhood memories, where time appears to stand still.

In Big Eden, as Sam’s health begins to improve, Henry finds himself wrestling with conflicting emotions—his determination to support his grandfather is shadowed by a growing fear of being orphaned once again. The small-town community buzzes with gossip about his return, yet his sexuality remains a subject met with discretion. Despite the whispers, Henry forges new connections and revisits past romances that stir up nostalgia.

The complications deepen with the arrival of Dean Stewart, Henry’s former high-school crush. Now a recent divorcee, Dean returns to Big Eden with his children, reigniting unresolved feelings for Henry and adding a layer of complexity to Henry’s emotional landscape. Throughout this tumult of sentiment, Henry receives unyielding support from Grace, the town’s matriarch, Widow Thayer, and the shy but endearing Pike Dexter, a Native American storekeeper with a soft spot for Henry.

As the days flow on, Widow Thayer’s well-meaning matchmaking begins to falter, leading her to refocus on introducing Henry to men who share his interests. Pike, ever the quiet helper, continues to whip up delicious and healthy meals for Sam and Henry, delivering them almost anonymously. As the connection between Henry and Pike grows stronger, Pike’s affection for Henry becomes all the more apparent; he quietly yearns to assist the struggling artist in every way possible.

Amidst the emotional turmoil, Henry and Dean share beautifully tender moments together—repairing a ramp for Sam’s wheelchair and sneaking away for romantic stargazing trips against Big Eden’s majestic backdrop. However, Dean’s struggle with his emotions culminates in a heartfelt confession: he cannot maintain a relationship with Henry. This leaves their connection hanging in uncertainty.

As time trudges on, sorrow deepens with Sam’s declining health until the heart-wrenching moment when Henry returns home to discover Pike in despair. Pike reveals the heart-rending news: Sam has passed away, plunging the whole town into mourning. The community unites to honor Sam at his funeral, with only Pike choosing to retreat into solitude.

In the aftermath of loss, Henry grapples with his growing isolation and the untapped depth of his feelings for Pike, who had become more than just a friend. The haunting memory of their “promised dinner” lingers in his mind, a bittersweet reminder of Pike’s enchanting stories filled with celestial wonders and mystical legends. This realization intensifies Henry’s emotion as he confronts the idea that Sam may not have understood the profound connection between him and Pike.

As Henry prepares to leave for New York, the silence between him and Pike hangs heavy in the air. Yet, in a moment of vulnerable bravery, Pike finally lays bare his feelings for Henry, but the timing is unfortunate, as Henry prepares to leave. In a twist of fate, Pike discovers Sam’s truck parked outside his store and finds Henry waiting for him, leading to a beautifully poignant reunion. Together, they embark on a new journey, filled with promise and hope as they begin to navigate their relationship amidst the echoes of their past.