Parked 2012

Having returned to his homeland of Ireland from the UK, Fred finds himself living a reclusive life in his car, ensnared in a frustrating bureaucratic cycle. Without access to social benefits, he is unable to secure a rental room, yet without a permanent address, he remains ineligible for those same benefits. This monotonous existence takes a turn when he unexpectedly forms a friendship with Cathal, a 21-year-old who enjoys a laid-back lifestyle and a penchant for dope. Together, they share moments of laughter and confront the hardships of life, discovering joy in the simplest of pleasures.

Determined to help Fred reclaim his life, Cathal pushes him to make necessary changes. Under Cathal’s influence, Fred begins to modify his car and navigates his way through the system, ultimately developing a bond with Jules, a charming music teacher who lives alone nearby. However, Fred wrestles with his own pride, finding it difficult to confess his unusual living situation to Jules, while Cathal faces his own demons as his drug use intensifies.

Fred’s trust is painfully tested when he uncovers Cathal’s shocking secret: he has resorted to injecting drugs into the veins of his feet despite his earlier vows to stay clean. In a fit of anger, Fred confronts Cathal and storms off to see Jules. During Fred’s absence, Cathal faces dire circumstances, being assaulted by his dealer after having broken into his father’s house in desperation for money, only to be turned away. Eventually, he finds himself at a bonfire with other addicts, bartering his shoes for a needle—leading him to inject himself and lose consciousness.

Upon returning, Fred is devastated to find Cathal’s car in ruins and his cherished watch shattered. In a frantic search for Cathal, Fred ultimately finds him in the mortuary. Tragically, Cathal has passed away, but his efforts were not in vain. Despite the heartache of losing his friend, Fred stands on the verge of a fresh start, having garnered enough courage to confront his situation—thanks to Cathal’s encouragement. In the end, Cathal’s final act was one of salvation for Fred, even if he could not rescue himself.