Down to the Bone 2005
Directed by
Debra Granik
Made by
Laemmle/Zeller Films
Plot Summary
Irene Morrison, portrayed by Vera Farmiga, is a hardworking mother living in Upstate New York, struggling to raise her two boys while battling a cocaine addiction. As her eldest son, Ben (Jasper Daniels), eagerly anticipates his birthday, he asks her to buy a snake, leading Irene to suggest Lego instead. On Halloween night, Irene takes her children trick-or-treating, where she encounters Bob, a compassionate nurse played by Hugh Dillon.
Upon returning home, her husband Steve (Clint Jordan) surprises her with a toilet, excitedly announcing plans to add a second bathroom. However, when he attempts to initiate an intimate moment, Irene feels anything but sexy, redirecting the conversation towards their home improvement plans. The following day, in desperate need of a snake for Ben, Irene visits a reptile store but discovers she’s short on cash. While her boys wait in the car, she sneaks off to see her dealer, who turns her down due to unpaid debts.
Struggling with the temptations at work, she considers the unthinkable: taking money from the cash register. After being denied by her dealer once again, she reluctantly checks herself into a drug rehabilitation center, where she meets Lucy (Caridad de la Luz), a fellow addict, and forms a supportive friendship. During her time there, she unexpectedly runs into Bob again, who encourages her and shares a book that aided him during his own recovery journey.
At her first Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Irene witnesses the triumphant celebration of a man’s one-year sobriety, yet finds her resolve tested in the weeks that follow as she battles cravings while surrounded by friends using drugs casually. Unfortunately, her situation worsens when she’s fired from her job after confessing her past substance abuse.
Lucy proposes an entrepreneurial venture, suggesting they start a cleaning business together, which Irene eagerly accepts. During a drive to her next NA meeting, she makes an impulsive decision that leads to an affair with Bob. As their relationship intensifies, he takes her to a snake breeder, allowing her to buy a snake for Ben as their intimacy blooms. However, that moment of bliss shatters when Irene catches Bob using heroin, resulting in an explosive confrontation that ends with her succumbing to drugs once again.
In a series of misguided attempts to find pleasure in toxic relationships, Irene and Steve try to reignite their spark through cocaine, but it quickly spirals out of control. Their chaos catches up with them when the police pull them over, resulting in their arrest for possessing drugs. With her future hanging in the balance, Irene consults a lawyer who outlines a demanding path to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. Faced with the consequences of her choices, Irene confesses her infidelity to Steve, who in anger tells her to leave.
Finding solace with Lucy, though their friendship strains due to her unreliability, Irene eventually finds a place to live and gains some custody of her children. After a Narcotics meeting, Bob unexpectedly appears to apologize, and despite the chaos, Irene decides to forgive him. However, as Bob’s drug use spirals, Irene begins to suspect the dangers he poses to her children, leading her to confront him and make the difficult decision to ask him to leave for their well-being.
Timeline
Irene's Struggle with Addiction
Irene Morrison is depicted as a hardworking mother battling a severe cocaine addiction. As she struggles to raise her two boys in Upstate New York, her addiction poses challenges in her ability to provide a stable environment for them.
Ben's Birthday Wish
Irene's eldest son, Ben, eagerly anticipates his birthday and expresses a desire for a pet snake. However, Irene suggestively redirects his request towards purchasing toys like Legos instead, showcasing her challenges with parenting amidst her addiction.
Halloween Trick-or-Treating
On Halloween night, Irene takes her children trick-or-treating, during which she meets Bob, a compassionate nurse. This encounter introduces a bond that will take a significant role in Irene's life as she navigates her journey to reclaim herself.
Home Surprise
Upon returning home, Irene is surprised by her husband Steve, who is excited about home improvements, including plans for a second bathroom. However, the mood quickly shifts when Irene feels disconnected during an intimate moment, showcasing strains in their relationship.
Desperate Actions
The following day, in need of a snake for Ben, Irene visits a reptile store but finds herself short on cash. This leads her to sneak away from her children to see her dealer, a choice that underscores her struggle with addiction.
Checking into Rehabilitation
After being confronted by the reality of her addiction, Irene checks herself into a drug rehabilitation center. During her time there, she finds a supportive friendship with Lucy, a fellow addict, which becomes crucial in her recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting
At her first Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Irene witnesses a man celebrating one year of sobriety, which inspires her. Despite this uplifting moment, the weeks that follow prove to be a severe test of her resolve against her craving.
Job Loss
Irene's battle against addiction intensifies when she confesses her substance abuse history at work and is subsequently fired. This loss increases her desperation and challenges her already strained family life.
Starting a Business
In an effort to regain control over her life, Lucy proposes they start a cleaning business together, which Irene eagerly accepts. This venture provides a glimmer of hope, signaling a desire for independence and recovery.
Affair with Bob
During a drive to her next NA meeting, Irene impulsively engages in an affair with Bob, which complicates her recovery journey. Their relationship intensifies, bringing both joy and challenges as they navigate their respective struggles.
Confrontation Over Drugs
Irene's bliss comes crashing down when she discovers Bob using heroin. This revelation leads to a heated confrontation and ultimately pushes Irene back into the depths of her addiction.
Downward Spiral
In an effort to reconnect, Irene and Steve try to revive their relationship through cocaine, but their situation quickly spirals out of control. Their reckless lifestyle culminates in their arrest for drug possession, threatening their future.
Legal Consequences
Faced with the potential of a lengthy prison sentence, Irene consults with a lawyer about her options. The gravity of her choices becomes starkly clear as she grapples with the implications for her family.
Confessing Infidelity
Irene confesses her affair with Bob to Steve, whose reaction is anger and disappointment, leading him to tell her to leave. This confrontation marks a significant turning point in Irene's journey as she loses one of her main support systems.
A Difficult Decision
As Bob's drug use escalates, Irene begins to fear for the safety of her children. Ultimately, she makes the heart-wrenching decision to ask him to leave, prioritizing her children's well-being despite the emotional turmoil it causes.
Characters
Irene Morrison (Vera Farmiga)
Irene is a devoted mother deeply affected by her cocaine addiction. Her struggle for sobriety is compounded by her desire to be a good parent while often succumbing to her vices. She is characterized by her resilience, but her weaknesses challenge her relationships and her role as a mother.
Bob (Hugh Dillon)
Bob is a compassionate nurse and a significant figure in Irene's life, representing both support and temptation. While he encourages Irene on her journey to recovery, his own drug use ultimately complicates their relationship. He embodies the complexities of recovery, friendship, and love in the face of addiction.
Lucy (Caridad de la Luz)
Lucy is Irene's friend from the rehabilitation center, providing companionship but also challenges in recovering. Their friendship offers a glimpse into the assistance and strains present in relationships built around addiction. Lucy showcases the struggles of forming reliable support when surrounded by chaos.
Steve (Clint Jordan)
Steve is Irene's husband, who is often caught between supporting his wife and dealing with the consequences of her addiction. His frustration and anger highlight the strain that addiction places on family relationships. He navigates his emotions as their family life spirals out of control.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, showcasing the modern struggles of addiction and family dynamics. It highlights the current societal attitudes towards substance abuse and the challenges individuals face in overcoming personal demons in a fast-paced world.
Location
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is known for its picturesque landscapes and small-town charm contrasted with the struggles of urban life. It serves as the backdrop for Irene's tumultuous journey as a mother battling addiction. The region's communities provide both support and challenges, reflecting the duality of her experiences.
Themes
💔
Addiction
Addiction serves as the central theme of the movie, illustrating Irene's battle with cocaine dependency. Her struggles affect her relationships and parenting, emphasizing the pervasive impact of substance abuse. The film delves into the emotional turmoil and desperation that accompany her journey to recovery.
👩👦
Motherhood
The theme of motherhood is intricately woven throughout Irene's story as she fights to provide for her children despite her addiction. The complexities of her role as a mother are explored, showing both her love and the consequences of her actions. The film captures the sacrifices and challenges mothers face in difficult circumstances.
🌪️
Chaos
The movie portrays chaos in Irene's life as she navigates her addiction, relationships, and the challenges of parenting. Her decisions spiral out of control, showcasing the unpredictability of life when addiction takes over. This theme reflects the struggle to find stability amidst overwhelming turmoil.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.