The Tender Bar 2021

In 1973, nine-year-old JR Maguire (Daniel Ranieri) and his mother Dorothy (Lily Rabe) make a reluctant return to her childhood home on Long Island, forced back by Dorothy’s own failures. The shame of being unable to provide for herself and JR weighs heavily on her, as she struggles to reconcile the past with the present. But JR is undeterred, finding solace in his new surroundings.

Abandoned by his father Johnny (Max Martini), a charismatic but irresponsible radio DJ, JR has grown up without a male influence. His mother’s working-class family provides a sense of stability, and it is here that he finds an unexpected role model in his uncle Charlie (Ben Affleck). The owner of “The Dickens”, the local watering hole, Charlie is a man who values literature and wisdom, offering JR a unique perspective on life.

Charlie’s words of encouragement and advice are a balm to JR’s young soul. He imparts valuable lessons about the importance of reading and writing, urging JR to develop his passion into a viable career path. Meanwhile, Dorothy remains determined that her son will follow in her footsteps, pushing him to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions like Harvard or Yale.

As JR navigates this complex web of relationships, he is forced to confront the reality of his father’s absence. Johnny makes fleeting appearances, each one more painful than the last, leaving JR feeling lost and confused. The only constant in his life is Charlie, who offers a sense of security and guidance.

In the midst of these challenges, JR finds solace in his own creative pursuits. His natural talent for word puzzles earns him a spot in Charlie’s bowling league, where he is showered with praise and affection by his uncle’s friends, Bobo (Michael Braun), Chief (Max Casella) & Joey D (Matthew Delamater).

As Dorothy’s cancerous thyroid is removed and she begins her road to recovery, JR’s world is forever changed. His love of writing and reading continues to grow, as he finds solace in the written word. With Charlie by his side, JR is poised to navigate the complexities of adolescence, forging a path that will lead him towards a brighter future.

As JR (Tye Sheridan) steps onto the train bound for New Haven, a chance encounter with a priest sets him on an unexpected path. His interview at Yale yields a full scholarship, leaving his family beaming with pride. Upon returning to his hometown, he introduces his roommates, Jimmy (Ivan Leung) and Wesley (Rhenzy Feliz), to Charlie, marking the beginning of their collegiate escapades.

A whirlwind romance with Sidney (Briana Middleton) unfolds as they share a night together in her Westport, Connecticut home. However, their intimacy is short-lived, replaced by an awkward breakfast with her parents from the lower-upper-middle class - individuals who flaunt their perceived wealth but are, in reality, struggling to make ends meet.

Sidney’s mother takes a condescending jab at JR’s mother, implying that she has unrealistic expectations for her son’s future. Undeterred, JR dedicates himself to excelling academically over the next two years.

His train ride home becomes a recurring motif as he encounters the priest once more. This time, however, his attempt to win Sidney back is met with rejection - she reveals she’s moved on to someone else. Heartbroken and introspective, JR begins writing his first novel while working at the local bar to supplement his income.

As graduation approaches in 1986, JR receives a sporadic phone call from his father, prompting him to present his mother with a class ring. However, he shocks her by abandoning law school to focus on his creative pursuits. Undeterred by Wesley’s (Rhenzy Feliz) cautionary advice, JR continues to pine for Sidney under the guidance of Charlie.

A chance hire as a trainee at The New York Times provides JR with an opportunity to hone his craft. However, he soon discovers that the publication is veering towards memoirs, leaving him disillusioned. His editor’s demands for conformity and adherence to traditional standards clash with JR’s innovative spirit.

The sting of rejection comes when JR learns Sidney has married her college sweetheart. Consumed by despair, he hits rock bottom, ultimately losing his job at The Times due to his lack of adaptability. His editor’s parting words - that JR’s writing was exceptional but not suitable for the Times’ culture - only add salt to his wounds.

With his confidence shattered and his future uncertain, JR is left to ponder his next move.

As Charlie recovers from a brief hospitalization, he imparts wisdom upon JR, urging him to transform his recent tribulations into the narrative of his novel. The mentor’s guidance proves pivotal, as JR embarks on a journey to confront his past by tracking down his father in North Carolina. However, this reunion is short-lived, as JR discovers that his father remains mired in his toxic habits, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and addiction.

Emboldened by Charlie’s counsel, JR takes a stand against his father’s cruelty by having him arrested after witnessing Johnny’s brutal assault on his girlfriend. This marked turning point marks JR’s long-awaited departure from his troubled past, as he finally finds the courage to defy his father’s abusive tendencies.

Upon returning home, JR is met with a sense of renewal, as his mother has secured a new job and a fresh start for their family. Feeling an insatiable hunger to prove himself as a writer, JR makes the bold decision to relocate to Manhattan, where he can hone his craft in the city’s vibrant literary scene.

Before departing, Charlie bestows upon JR a symbol of independence - his beloved car. As JR says goodbye to his mentor and his friends, Charlie and his companions bid farewell to their young nephew with a memorable day at the beach, filled with laughter and sun-kissed joy. This heartwarming moment serves as a poignant reminder of JR’s newfound determination to forge his own path in life and art.