You Can Count on Me

In the midst of a picturesque village in the Catskill Mountains region of New York, a poignant narrative unfolds as two siblings, Sammy (character) and Terry Prescott, navigate the complexities of their troubled past. The loss of their parents in a devastating car crash during their childhood has left an indelible mark on both Sammy's life as a single mother and lending officer at a bank, as well as Terry's tumultuous existence, which has seen him drift aimlessly across the country.

The siblings' estrangement is finally bridged when Terry and his girlfriend, Sheila, arrive in town, desperate for financial relief. Despite the initial shock of learning about Terry's three-month stint behind bars, Sammy lends him the money, only to have it mailed back to Sheila after she attempts suicide. As a result, Terry extends his stay with Sammy, which she welcomes as an opportunity to reconnect with her brother.

Their reunion is marked by Rudy, Sammy's young son, who is thrilled to spend time with his uncle. For a school writing assignment, Rudy imagines his absent father, Rudy Sr., as a larger-than-life hero. While Sammy has always painted a negative picture of their father, Terry reveals the harsh reality that Rudy Sr. was not a pleasant person, leaving Rudy naively optimistic about the possibility of change.

Meanwhile, Sammy rekindles her romantic connection with Bob, an old flame, but is taken aback when he proposes to her shortly after. As she grapples with this sudden turn of events, Terry grows closer to Rudy, fostering a bond that transcends their initial differences.

At the bank, the arrival of a new manager, Brian, brings about a series of unconventional demands and changes. While Mabel adapts seamlessly to these adjustments, Sammy is discomfited by Brian's insistence that she relinquish her responsibility for picking up Rudy from school, instead opting for someone else to assume this duty. Their disagreement sparks a series of minor confrontations, which ultimately give way to a clandestine romance.

As the siblings' relationships evolve, Terry pushes against the boundaries of Sammy's parental authority, keeping Rudy out late as they bond over games of pool at a local bar. Seeking guidance, Sammy turns to her church minister, Ron, who counsels Terry about his outlook on life. Despite Terry's initial resistance, he and Rudy grow steadily closer.

In a moment of self-reflection, Sammy recognizes the questionable decisions she has made in her relationships with Bob and Brian. Ultimately, she decides to distance herself from both men, opting for a path that prioritizes her own growth and well-being.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Terry and Rudy embark on a poignant journey of self-discovery, visiting the enigmatic Rudy Sr. in a trailer park nestled in a nearby town. The air is thick with tension as they confront the weighty truth about Rudy's paternity, only to be met with defiance and hostility from Rudy Sr., who vehemently denies any familial connection. Terry's anger boils over, and the situation rapidly spirals out of control, culminating in a brutal physical confrontation that leaves Rudy Sr. reeling and Terry under arrest.

In the aftermath of this tumultuous encounter, Sammy brings her brother and son back to their humble abode, where the fragile dynamics are put to the test once more. As Rudy confronts his doubts about Rudy Sr.'s parentage, Sammy finally reveals the long-sought truth, casting a new light on their troubled past. In an effort to salvage their relationships, Sammy implores Terry to move out and start anew, acknowledging his importance in her life and Rudy's, while also urging him to re-chart his course and find a sense of purpose. However, Terry is skeptical of this suggestion, instead opting to retreat back to the wilderness of Alaska, leaving the door open for further heartache.

Yet, as Terry prepares to depart, a glimmer of hope flickers to life. Despite the initial appearance of irreparable rifts, the trio ultimately finds common ground and reconciles before Terry's departure, coming to terms with their respective paths in life and the bittersweet reality that some journeys are meant to be taken alone.