Nostalgia 2018

In a poignant tapestry woven from the threads of love, loss, and nostalgia, Daniel Kalman (John Ortiz), an insurance agent in his twilight years, embarks on a journey of discovery that delves into our profound connection with objects, artifacts, and memories. His odyssey begins at a cozy diner, where he is struck by the sentimental value of jewelry worn by a waitress, prompting him to ponder the emotional significance attached to such items.

Kalman’s subsequent visits reveal a deeper complexity to his character. He pays tribute to Ronald Ashemore (Bruce Dern), an elderly architect living off pension, to assess the worth of cherished possessions. This encounter is tinged with a sense of mortality, as Kalman grapples with the impermanence of human experience.

The narrative takes a poignant turn when Kalman visits Bethany (Amber Tamblyn) and her husband, who are expecting their first child. As they navigate the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood, they are faced with the daunting prospect of losing a loved one and the emotional weight that accompanies it. Back at his office, Kalman pours over photographs from his day, reflecting on the lives he has encountered.

The following day, Kalman finds himself in the midst of devastation as he meets Helen Greer (Ellen Burstyn), who has lost her home to wildfire. Amidst the ashes and rubble, she clings to a signed baseball that holds sentimental value. This artifact becomes a symbol of hope and resilience as Kalman helps her navigate the process of appraising its worth.

As Helen’s story unfolds, we are introduced to Henry (Nick Offerman) and his wife Lisa, who struggle with the notion of placing their mother in assisted living or selling off cherished possessions for financial gain. The theme of identity and belonging is woven throughout this narrative as Helen grapples with her place in the world.

A turning point arrives when Helen travels to Las Vegas, armed with a suitcase containing the precious baseball. She meets Will Beam (Jon Hamm), an appraiser who is initially skeptical but eventually reveals the item’s true worth: an authentic Ted Williams signature, valued at $80-100,000. This moment marks a cathartic release for Helen, as she finally lets go of her husband’s treasured keepsake.

Throughout this emotional journey, Kalman remains a constant presence, listening intently to people’s stories and finding solace in the connections he forms with each individual. As the narrative draws to a close, we are left with a profound appreciation for the power of human relationships and the enduring significance of the objects that bind us together.

As Will descends upon his childhood home in Virginia, he is met with the warm presence of older sister Donna (Catharine Keener), who greets him with a mix of nostalgia and practicality. Together, they embark on a journey through the remnants of their family’s past, riding through the familiar streets to their parents’ once-vibrant abode, now reduced to a mere shell of its former self. The property, now for sale, stands as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of memories.

As they navigate the barren halls, Donna’s emotions are palpable as she reflects on the countless moments her daughter Tallie (Annalise Basso) has spent within those walls, cherishing every nook and cranny as a sanctuary of joy and innocence. In contrast, Will approaches the task with a detached candor, his mind preoccupied with the weight of their parents’ recent decision to trade in their childhood home for a condo in Florida.

The next day, Tallie’s attempt to connect with her family’s history is met with a sense of disconnection as she struggles to form meaningful bonds with the relics of the past. Her departure to join friend Kathleen (Mikey Madison) on a weekend getaway serves as a poignant reminder that life’s fragility can be cruelly interrupted.

As Will delves deeper into the contents of their childhood home, he stumbles upon a treasure trove of letters penned by his own father, Will, to his mother, Joy. The tender expressions of love and devotion contained within these pages serve as a powerful testament to the depth of human emotion, prompting Will to surrender to the soothing melodies of soft jazz playing in the background.

However, his peaceful reverie is shattered by a frantic phone call from Donna, who bears the devastating news that Tallie has been involved in a fatal car accident. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Will finds himself rushing back to their childhood home alongside Donna’s husband Patrick (James LeGros), where they must confront the anguish and despair that has consumed their family.

As the day wears on, the arrival of Kathleen’s parents, Peter (Patton Oswalt) and Marge (Joanna Going), adds an air of support and solidarity to the gathering, as together they strive to find solace in the face of unimaginable loss.