Seven Pounds 2008

The cinematic journey begins with a profound and poignant moment: Tim Thomas (Will Smith) placing a distressing 911 call, confessing his own suicidal intentions. This somber introduction sets the tone for a film that delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the human desire to make amends. The catalyst for this introspective odyssey is a catastrophic event from two years prior: Tim’s reckless texting while driving led to a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of seven innocent strangers, including his own fiancée, Sarah Jenson (Robinne Lee).

As Tim grapples with the weight of his guilt and the crushing responsibility for the loss of so many lives, he embarks on a quest to resurrect those he has wronged. This noble goal gradually unfolds throughout the narrative, as Tim’s actions become increasingly motivated by a deep-seated need to atone for his past mistakes.

A year after the tragedy, Tim’s decision to donate a lung lobe to his brother, Ben (Michael Ealy), an IRS employee, marks the beginning of his philanthropic crusade. This selfless act is followed by subsequent donations: part of his liver to Holly (Judyann Elder), a social services worker; a kidney to George (Bill Smitrovich), a junior hockey coach; and bone marrow to Nicholas (Quintin Kelley), a young boy.

Tim’s mission to heal others takes on an air of urgency as he uses his brother’s IRS credentials to gather information on potential recipients. He visits these individuals at their workplaces and homes, seeking insight into their lives and the circumstances that have led them to require his life-giving donations.

One such individual is Stewart Goodman (Tim Kelleher), who runs a home for the elderly. Tim’s initial enthusiasm wanes when he discovers that Stewart has been prioritizing cost-cutting measures over the well-being of his residents, resulting in significant distress and hardship. Tim’s compassion is ultimately exhausted by this revelation, and he refuses to help Stewart.

As the protagonist’s health begins to decline, he reaches out to Holly for guidance on finding worthy recipients. She recommends Connie Tepos (Elpidia Carrillo), a woman living with an abusive partner who has recently broken her ribs. Tim extends an offer of assistance to Connie, but she initially rebuffs his efforts. Undeterred, Tim relinquishes his beach house keys and deed to Connie, allowing her and her children to start anew.

This poignant decision marks the culmination of Tim’s redemptive journey, as he sacrifices his own comfort and security for the chance to heal others.

As Ben, masquerading as his brother, delves deeper into the world of organ procurement, he sets his sights on two candidates for his final donations. The first is Ezra Turner (Woody Harrelson), a blind meat salesman whose passion for music and life shines through in his skillful piano playing. Tim’s initial intentions are to provoke Ezra, poking fun at his profession as a meat salesman who doesn’t consume the product himself, labeling him a “virgin” unaware of the beauty surrounding him. However, Ezra’s calm demeanor and unwavering composure leave Tim impressed, deeming him worthy of further consideration.

The second candidate is Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson), a self-employed greeting card printer struggling with a rare heart condition and an equally rare blood type. Under the guise of being an IRS representative, Tim secretly visits Emily at the hospital, revealing that she is facing a hefty tax bill of $56,240.19. His manipulation is fueled by his knowledge of her congenital heart failure, which has not yet placed her on the donor recipient list. As a result, if her condition were to suddenly worsen, she would likely succumb to it. Emily’s humility and lack of self-worth lead her to believe that she doesn’t deserve a second chance at life. Tim momentarily eases her burden by waiving the penalties on her account for the next six months.

As their relationship blossoms, Tim finds himself drawn to Emily’s kind spirit and beauty. He spends his days tending to her garden and fixing her prized Heidelberg Windmill press. The more time they spend together, the deeper Tim falls in love with her. When Emily’s condition takes a turn for the worse, and she is admitted to the hospital, Tim realizes it’s time to make his donation. With her life expectancy dwindling to just four to six weeks, Emily is finally placed on the donor list.

Meanwhile, Ben tracks down his brother at Emily’s house, demanding that he return the stolen IRS credentials. After a heartfelt goodbye with Emily, Tim departs, leaving behind the woman who has captured his heart. He returns to the motel room, where he prepares himself for the ultimate sacrifice by filling the bathtub with ice-cold water and summoning his box jellyfish companion. With a heavy heart, Tim takes his own life, plunging into the icy waters, his vital organs preserved in a final act of selflessness.

As the life support systems gradually fade away, the once-vibrant spirit of Jack (Barry Pepper) is left with one final act of generosity - the gift of life through organ donation. His closest confidant, Dan, assumes the role of executor, meticulously overseeing the distribution of Jack’s vital organs to those in dire need. Emily and Ezra Turner are among the fortunate recipients, their lives forever changed by the selfless sacrifice. Emily’s new lease on life begins with the transplantation of Jack’s heart, while Ezra’s vision is restored through the receipt of his corneas. In a poignant twist, Emily and Ezra cross paths at a park concert, where they tentatively open up to one another about their shared connection - a bond forged in the depths of sorrow and gratitude. As the sounds of music swirl around them, they find solace in each other’s company, taking the first steps towards healing and new beginnings.