Nebraska 2013

As fate would have it, Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) stumbles into the midst of Billings, Montana traffic, where he is promptly intercepted by a vigilant police officer. His son, David (Will Forte), arrives on the scene and discovers that his father has been consumed by an all-consuming desire to claim a $1 million sweepstakes prize in Lincoln, Nebraska. However, upon reviewing the official documentation, David’s skepticism grows, as it becomes apparent that the supposed windfall is nothing more than a clever marketing ploy designed to part unsuspecting individuals from their hard-earned cash.

Despite his reservations, David finds himself drawn into his father’s quixotic quest, and he returns Woody to their home in Omaha, where Kate (June Squibb), his mother, is less than thrilled about the sudden turn of events. As David navigates his own personal struggles, including a recent breakup with Noel (Missy Doty), who pays him a visit to collect her belongings, Woody’s antics only serve to further disrupt their lives.

In a moment of frustration, David and his brother Ross (Bob Odenkirk), a local news anchor, begin to contemplate the possibility of institutionalizing their wayward patriarch. However, when Kate reports that Woody has slipped away once again, David is compelled to intervene, deciding to embark on an impromptu road trip with his father to Lincoln.

Upon arriving in a small town en route, Woody suddenly vanishes, leaving David to track him down and eventually find him indulging in a spirited drinking session. When the night wears on, Woody stumbles back into their hotel room, where he suffers a painful fall, striking his head on the dresser. As David tends to his father’s wounds at the local hospital, they discover that Woody has lost his dentures during his escapade.

As they retrace Woody’s steps to the train tracks where he must have lost his dental gems, David is struck by the realization that his father’s journey is not merely about claiming a prize, but about reconnecting with his roots and the people who matter most. Meanwhile, back in Omaha, preparations are underway for a family reunion that promises to be nothing short of momentous.

As Woody’s hometown of Hawthorne, nestled in Madison County, Nebraska, comes into view, it’s clear that this place holds a special significance for the man. With David (actor name) by his side, Woody reunites with his brother Ray (Rance Howard) and his family over a leisurely lunch. The atmosphere is warm and nostalgic as Woody and David catch up with their loved ones, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories of days gone by. A stroll down the main street takes them to a mechanic shop that holds a piece of Woody’s past, followed by a visit to the local watering hole where tales are told and secrets are shared.

However, as the afternoon wears on, the mood shifts when David broaches the subject of Woody’s troubled history with alcoholism and family dynamics. The conversation turns heated, leading Woody to make a hasty exit. In search of a fresh start, they stumble upon another bar, where Woody runs into his old business partner Ed Pegram (Stacy Keach), a man whose reputation precedes him. According to local lore, Ed is the one who allegedly swindled Woody out of an air compressor decades ago, leaving a lasting rift between them.

As the evening wears on, the news of their visit spreads like wildfire through the small town. The next morning, they learn that Kate (actor name), Woody’s daughter, will be joining them for the reunion. Before her arrival, they pay their respects at the local cemetery, where Woody’s relatives and their colorful stories come to life.

As the family gathers for dinner, Ed takes center stage, his karaoke performance interrupted by a subtle nod in their direction. David excuses himself to the restroom, only to be confronted by Ed regarding an outstanding debt – a loan that Woody borrowed years ago but has yet to repay. The tone is unmistakable: pay up or face the consequences. Meanwhile, David also crosses paths with the local newspaper owner, who’s been tracking down a story about Woody’s supposed sweepstakes win. What he discovers is a surprising connection to his father’s past, including the emotional scars inflicted by his experiences during the Korean War.

As the dust settles from the tumultuous family reunion, Woody’s kin, including his nephews Ross (character not specified), Cole (Devin Ratray) and Bart (Tim Driscoll), arrive on the scene. The group’s patriarchal figures, David and Ross, are soon confronted by Woody’s extended family about outstanding debts they believe he owed them. Tensions escalate into a physical altercation, but Kate intervenes, calling out her relatives for their own unpaid obligations to Woody.

The quartet - Woody, David, Kate, and Ross - embark on a nostalgic journey, revisiting Woody’s childhood home, now a dilapidated shell of its former self. As they drive past Ed’s residence, Kate reveals that the air compressor in question belongs to another couple, whom she expertly distracts when they arrive home while David and Ross make off with the tool.

A chance encounter at the local watering hole finds Woody and David crossing paths with Ed, who candidly shares a shocking revelation: Woody had an affair before David’s birth. The evening takes a dark turn as they are ambushed by masked Cole and Bart, who steal the sweepstakes letter and vanish into the night. When David confronts his cousins, they mock him and Woody, claiming to have discarded the letter after discovering there was no prize money.

In their pursuit of the truth, David and Woody uncover that Ed has obtained the letter and is publicly humiliating Woody by reading it aloud to a gathered crowd at the bar. David seizes the opportunity to reclaim the letter, while Woody exacts his revenge by taking matters into his own hands - literally.

As tensions simmer, David presses Woody about his plan to use the sweepstakes money to buy a truck, only to be met with a poignant revelation: Woody’s ultimate goal was to leave a lasting legacy for his family. This newfound understanding prompts David to inform Woody that they won’t be attending Lincoln, and in response, Woody’s health takes a sudden turn for the worse.

In the dead of night, Woody makes a surprise exit from the hospital, opting to embark on a solitary journey. Undeterred by this development, David once again agrees to accompany Woody on his pilgrimage to Lincoln.

As they arrive at the marketing agency, expecting to collect their well-deserved spoils, David and Ed are met with a crushing blow: Woody’s creative genius hasn’t earned him the top prize. However, as a token of appreciation for his tireless efforts, Woody is gifted a coveted prize winner’s hat - a symbol of recognition that will undoubtedly sit proudly on his head. Undeterred by this setback, David takes matters into his own hands and visits a local car dealership, where he sells their trusty vehicle to purchase Woody the ultimate gift: a sturdy truck and a state-of-the-art air compressor. As they prepare to leave Lincoln behind, David has Woody take the truck for a spin up and down Hawthorne’s Lucas Street, flaunting its rugged power in front of an audience that includes Woody’s former flame, whose enigmatic smile hints at unresolved feelings. The duo is also joined by Ed, sporting a black eye and a confused expression, as well as Albert, Woody’s brother, who bids his sibling farewell with a wave. As the truck disappears into the distance, Woody makes an unexpected switch, trading seats with David to drive them home in style.