Tiny Furniture 2010

As Aura (Lena Dunham) navigates the uncertain landscape of her post-graduation life, she finds herself retreating to the familiar confines of her childhood home, a Tribeca loft shared with her mother Siri, a successful photographer renowned for her whimsical scenes constructed from miniature furniture. Siri’s trusty sidekicks, Candice and Aura’s teenage sister Nadine, are always at the ready to lend a helping hand or offer an unsolicited opinion. Initially, Siri is warm and welcoming toward Aura’s return, but it becomes clear that she’s struggling to reconcile her daughter’s newfound independence with her own desires for maternal validation.

Aura’s introduction to her old bedroom is marked by Nadine’s imperious command to replace a lightbulb – a task that sets Aura on a path of discovery. As she searches for the perfect bulb, she stumbles upon her mother’s private journals from her own youth, which she devours in secret. These candid accounts offer Aura a window into Siri’s past, revealing the insecurities and doubts that lie beneath the surface of their mother-daughter relationship.

Aura’s social calendar quickly fills with a party invitation, where she crosses paths with Jed, a modestly successful filmmaker who has built a following on YouTube. Their chance encounter is matched only by her reunion with Charlotte (Jemima Kirke), an old friend grappling with the demons of addiction. As they reconnect over marijuana and camaraderie at Charlotte’s apartment, Aura finds herself drawn into a world that is both familiar and foreign.

The news that Aura has landed an entry-level job taking reservations at a local eatery, complete with an hourly wage and no tips to speak of, is soon eclipsed by the announcement that Nadine has won a prestigious poetry prize for high school students. This sudden revelation sparks a wave of anxiety in Aura, who finds herself pining for her mother’s approval as much as she resents the tight bond between Nadine and Siri. As tensions simmer just below the surface, Aura must confront the unspoken expectations that threaten to upend her own sense of identity.

As Aura’s spirits sink further into despair, she gravitates towards Jed, a couchsurfing artist struggling to land a TV deal, and Keith (David Call), a charming junior chef at the restaurant where she works. When her mother and sister leave for a week-long college tour, Aura invites Jed to stay with her, unaware that this decision will set off a chain of events that will test their friendship. Together, they stumble upon the devastating truth about Aura’s beloved pet hamster Gilda, whose demise is met with a mix of sadness and neglect as they store her lifeless body in the freezer, a poignant reminder of their own emotional numbness.

As the days pass, Aura and Jed’s apartment descends into disarray. They indulge in Siri’s wine and frozen dinners, leaving the space a mess and driving Siri to distraction upon her return. Aura initially tries to downplay the situation before erupting into a tantrum in front of her mother and sister. Despite this, she later asks her mom to extend Jed’s stay, allowing him to crash on an inflatable mattress in her room.

Meanwhile, Aura’s fleeting romance with Keith hits a snag when she discovers he has a girlfriend and is only interested in her ability to obtain prescription pills through Charlotte. When Keith stands her up, Aura reacts impulsively, quitting her job at the restaurant. That night, Nadine hosts a raucous party in their loft while their mother is away. Aura becomes overwhelmed by the rowdy teenagers and calls Charlotte for help, but instead of intervening, Charlotte joins the revelry.

The next morning, Aura’s mother discovers the frozen hamster in the freezer, prompting Aura to dispose of it discreetly. Feeling suffocated, Aura tells Frankie that she can no longer move in with her, citing her mother’s need for her too much as a flimsy excuse. As Aura’s world begins to unravel, Nadine confronts her about her immaturity, urging her to grow up and take responsibility for her actions.

As Aura grapples with the uncertainty of her future in the world of filmmaking, a stroke of good fortune befalls her when Charlotte, a kindred spirit, secures an opportunity for one of Aura’s college videos to be showcased in a prestigious gallery. The exhibit serves as the backdrop for a series of awkward encounters, including a chance run-in with Frankie, who appears uninvited to discuss living arrangements with Aura. Charlotte, sensing Aura’s frustration, advises her friend to distance herself from Frankie and instead focus on Keith, who has also made an appearance. Encouraged by Charlotte’s words of wisdom, Aura abandons Frankie and joins forces with Keith, the two of them indulging in a carefree evening that begins with a casual smoke session on the streets. As the night wears on, Aura’s spontaneous nature gets the better of her, and she makes a bold move on Keith, who, despite still being in a committed relationship, responds with undeniable passion. The pair’s impulsive decision to take their encounter to the next level leads them to an unconventional location - a construction yard pipe - where they engage in unprotected sex.

In the aftermath of this whirlwind evening, Aura returns home to confront her mother about her recent behavior. A heated argument ensues, but eventually, Aura apologizes and opens up to her mother about her adventure with Keith. Seizing the opportunity to bond with her mother, Aura confesses to having read her diaries and is met with an unexpected display of calmness from her mother. Instead of reprimanding Aura for her intrusion, her mother offers a glimpse into her own past, sharing stories about what she was like at Aura’s age. This poignant moment marks the beginning of a newfound understanding between Aura and her mother, as they both confront their own uncertainties and explore the complexities of their relationship.