Gigi & Nate 2022

As the sun sets on the Gibson family’s beloved Fourth of July celebration at their summer home in the charming town of Happy Days, North Carolina, tragedy unexpectedly strikes. Nate Gibson suddenly collapses after taking a daring dive into the lake. In a race against time, he is rushed to a local hospital, but his situation proves dire enough that his mother, Claire Gibson, demands an airlift to a prestigious medical center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Upon arrival, doctors confirm the grim diagnosis: Nate has meningitis, and the prognosis is bleak. His brain swelling has resulted in seizures, leaving him in a coma. In this moment of despair, his determined sister, Katy Gibson, emphasizes that he cannot give up the fight for his life.

Fast forward four years, Nate has beaten the odds but now faces life as a quadriplegic, confined to a wheelchair. Struggling with the weight of his new reality, he sinks into a deep depression, leading him to contemplate suicide. To help her son, Claire reaches out to Cebus, a group dedicated to training animals as emotional support animals. They introduce Nate to Gigi, a capuchin monkey rescued from a petting zoo in California.

In the early days, Gigi struggles to adjust, appearing hesitant to connect with Nate physically. However, when Katy returns from college, her discontent with the situation complicates matters. Adding to the chaos, the family dog, Banjo, escapes and begins chasing Gigi, creating a whirlwind of disorder in their house.

Amidst a growing rift between his parents over his care and the involvement of Gigi, Nate overhears their arguments and suggests returning Gigi. But much to everyone’s surprise, Gigi starts playing a vital role in Nate’s physical rehabilitation, lifting his spirits and reigniting hope.

As Gigi accompanies Nate on outings, a local animal rights activist captures their heartwarming moments at a grocery store. This attention leads to a reunion with Lori, a young woman Nate met during his hospital stay, who invites them to a college party. Their viral outing stirs up controversy, drawing the attention of the Americans For Animal Protection (AFAP) organization, which launches a protest outside the Gibson home and threatens to campaign for a ban on capuchins as service animals.

A hearing is held, and despite Nate’s impassioned plea, the ruling goes against him, leading to the heartbreaking requirement to give up Gigi. As tensions rise between Nate’s mother and Gigi’s cage, Nate’s grandmother discovers a crucial article regarding new legislation in North Carolina that recognizes capuchins as authorized service animals. Realizing the significance of this, the family decides to return to their hometown.

With time, new beginnings blossom. Exactly one year later, during a sweltering Fourth of July barbecue at their newly established home, Nate steps forward to announce his incredible achievement: he has received a full scholarship to a prestigious college that not only embraces his unique bond with Gigi but also welcomes her as an essential part of his academic experience.