What They Had 2018

When Ruth Everhardt, portrayed by Blythe Danner, suffers from Alzheimer’s and wanders out into the cold streets during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, her daughter Bridget Ertz, played by Hilary Swank, is compelled to return to her hometown. Together with her brother Nick, brought to life by Michael Shannon, they must confront their aging father Norbert about finding a suitable nursing home for Ruth, as the family faces the inevitable conclusion of their shared life journey.

Upon Ruth’s return home with her family, conversations unfold regarding her future. Although Nick has arranged for an opening at a top-notch assisted living facility in Chicago, Norbert stubbornly insists that he can take care of Ruth on his own. This tension escalates when Nick seeks Bridget’s support, but having distanced herself from her family over the years adds to her struggle to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget grapples with her own pressing challenges—her relationship with her husband Eddie, portrayed by Josh Lucas, has never flourished, and their daughter Emma, played by Taissa Farmiga, is battling anxiety that has led her to withdraw from college. As Nicky continues to clash with Norbert over what’s best for Ruth, he ultimately storms out in frustration. In a poignant moment, Bridget shares her thoughts about her father’s grip on her life, just as they discover that Ruth has gone missing again. Thankfully, she is located swiftly, prompting Norbert to come to the realization that Ruth needs to transition to the assisted care facility.

In an effort to mend their relationship, Norbert visits Nicky at his tavern, setting the stage for a heartfelt reconciliation. Tragically, shortly after, Norbert succumbs to a heart attack, leaving Nicky reeling from the loss. As Bridget spends time with Ruth at the care facility, she witnesses the compassionate care Ruth receives, ultimately leaving the facility feeling a serene sense of peace as she sees Ruth smiling contentedly.