Fatherhood

Fatherhood 2021

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Plot Summary


Matthew Logelin faces an unimaginable tragedy when his wife, Liz, passes away unexpectedly following an early caesarean section delivery of their daughter, Maddy. During her funeral, he is surrounded by his loving best friends Jordan (LilRel Howery) and Oscar (Anthony Carrigan), along with his mother Anna (Thedra Porter), and Liz’s parents, Marion (Alfre Woodard) and Mike (Frankie Faison). Suddenly thrust into the role of a single father, Matt must navigate the challenges of raising his infant daughter alone.

In the initial months, the struggle to care for Maddy is overwhelming, especially after both Anna and Liz’s parents leave. However, Matt perseveres, finding a way to raise Maddy on his own. As the years pass, Maddy, now around five years old, starts attending a private school.

One day, while at a park for a birthday party, Matt crosses paths with a woman named Swan (DeWanda Wise), who is introduced to him by Oscar and Rose, hoping to spark a connection. Matt and Swan hit it off, enjoying their time together, and soon he introduces Maddy to her, with both forming a lovely bond.

However, not everything goes smoothly. At school, Maddy faces ridicule from her peers over her outfit, leading her to bravely confront one of the boys, resulting in an injury that requires stitches. Panic sets in for Matt when he learns about Maddy’s fall. He rushes to the hospital, a place he is hesitant to return to since it holds traumatic memories of Liz’s passing. Ultimately, Matt allows the doctors to treat Maddy, feeling guilty for not being there for her. This incident drives him to end his budding relationship with Swan, as he worries he’s not doing enough as a father.

Amidst this turmoil, Matt’s boss, Howard (Paul Reiser), informs him of a job opportunity in Croatia, prompting Matt to send Maddy to spend time with her grandparents. However, he soon realizes that they want Maddy to stay with them indefinitely. Faced with the harsh reality of potential separation, Matt wrestles with thoughts of inadequacy, fearing he cannot provide her the happiness she deserves. After a heartfelt conversation with his sleeping daughter, he returns home to an empty space, grappling with his choice.

When Howard announces his retirement and suggests Matt take on his old role, Matt feels a pang of gratitude mixed with sorrow, knowing this could mean fewer opportunities to see Maddy. With help from friends Jordan and Oscar, he tries to cope, but loneliness grows as he searches for comfort.

In a touching moment of realization, Matt uncovers Liz’s necklace, which Maddy had been longing for. As he heads towards the airport with Oscar, thoughts of Maddy flood his mind, compelling him to abandon the trip and return to her side. Their reunion is filled with warmth as she embraces him tightly, and he presents her the long-missed necklace.

As Matt bids farewell to Marion and Mike, emotions run high, particularly for Marion, who reflects on how much happiness Matt brought into Liz’s life. He and Maddy head back to Swan’s place, where he offers an apology, and to his relief, she readily accepts, agreeing to join them for some ice cream.

In a lighthearted closing, Matt accompanies Maddy back to school, proudly donning a skirt to support her as they introduce a more relaxed dress code allowing jeans. This gesture symbolizes the lengths he will go to ensure Maddy feels happy and loved.

Timeline


Tragic Loss

Matthew Logelin faces a devastating tragedy when his wife, Liz, passes away unexpectedly after giving birth to their daughter, Maddy. This unforeseen event thrusts him into the role of a single father, changing his life forever.

After early caesarean section delivery

Funeral Support

During Liz's funeral, Matt is surrounded by his close friends Jordan and Oscar, along with his mother Anna, and Liz's parents, Marion and Mike. The support from his loved ones highlights the depth of his loss and the challenges that lie ahead for him as a new parent.

At Liz's funeral

Struggling Alone

In the months following Liz's passing, Matt struggles with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for his infant daughter, Maddy. With both Anna and Liz's parents eventually leaving, he faces the daunting task of parenting alone, yet he remains determined to make it work.

Initial months after Liz's death

Maddy's School Journey

As the years pass, Maddy grows to around five years old and begins attending a private school. This marks a significant milestone in their lives, bringing new challenges for both Matt and Maddy as they navigate their new normal.

Maddy's first school year Private School

Meeting Swan

At a birthday party in the park, Matt meets a woman named Swan, introduced by his friends Oscar and Rose. Their connection blossoms as they spend time together, and soon, Matt introduces Swan to Maddy, creating a warm bond between them.

At Maddy's birthday party Park

Maddy's Confrontation

While at school, Maddy faces ridicule from her peers, leading her to confront a boy who has been teasing her about her outfit. This confrontation results in an injury that requires stitches, sending Matt into a panic as he rushes to the hospital to be by her side.

School and Hospital

Relationship Struggles

Following Maddy's injury, Matt feels overwhelmed with guilt for not being there for her and decides to end his budding relationship with Swan. He worries that he isn’t doing enough as a father, which causes him to reevaluate his priorities.

After Maddy's hospital visit

Job Opportunity in Croatia

Matt's boss, Howard, offers him a job opportunity in Croatia, leading him to make the difficult decision to send Maddy to stay with her grandparents. This choice is bittersweet as he faces the potential separation from his daughter.

When presented with job offer

Heartfelt Decision

While conversing with Maddy as she sleeps, Matt feels a surge of emotions regarding their possible separation. He grapples with feelings of inadequacy and ultimately chooses to return home, realizing he can't bear to be apart from her.

Life Changes

Matt is faced with a mixed bag of emotions when Howard suggests he take on his old role after his retirement. Although grateful for the position, he fears it could limit his time with Maddy as he juggles the responsibilities of being a single parent.

After Howard's retirement announcement

Finding Liz's Necklace

In a touching moment, Matt discovers Liz's necklace, which Maddy had longed for. This discovery sparks a wave of love and longing, urging him to abandon his trip and race back to Maddy, where their reunion brings joy.

Airport

Reunion with Maddy

Matt returns to Maddy, who greets him with a warm embrace. In an emotional moment, he presents her with the long-missed necklace, reinforcing their bond and his commitment as a father.

Emotional Farewell

As Matt bids farewell to Marion and Mike, emotions run high, especially for Marion, who reminisces about the happiness Matt brought to Liz's life. This farewell highlights the deep connections shared amidst their shared loss.

Apology to Swan

Matt and Maddy head to Swan’s place, where he offers a heartfelt apology for distancing himself. To his relief, Swan readily accepts, and they plan to enjoy ice cream together, marking the rekindling of their connection.

Swan's place

Supporting Maddy at School

In a lighthearted concluding scene, Matt shows up at Maddy's school wearing a skirt to support her during the introduction of a relaxed dress code. This gesture signifies his unwavering love and commitment to her happiness.

On the day of new dress code introduction School

Characters


Matt Logelin (Kevin Hart)

Matt is a devoted father who is thrust into the role of single parent following the death of his wife. He embodies resilience and determination as he navigates the struggles of raising his daughter, Maddy. Despite his fears and feelings of inadequacy, he consistently demonstrates an unwavering love for his child.

👨‍👧 Fatherhood 💪 Resilience

Maddy Logelin (Melody Hurd)

Maddy is Matt's spirited young daughter who faces the challenges of growing up without her mother. Her resilience in confronting difficulties, such as ridicule at school, highlights her strength. Maddy's bond with her father serves as a central focus of the film, illustrating the importance of their relationship.

👧 Childhood 🌟 Resilience

Swan (DeWanda Wise)

Swan is a potential love interest for Matt, bringing warmth and support to his life. She represents the hope of new beginnings and the possibility of love after loss. Her relationship with Matt and Maddy showcases the importance of family and finding connection during difficult times.

💕 New Beginnings 🌻 Supportive

Setting


Time period

The time period of the movie reflects contemporary life, focusing on modern family dynamics and the challenges faced by single parents. It captures the essence of emotional struggles and societal expectations in today's world.

Location

Croatia

Croatia is known for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea, charming medieval architecture, and rich history. It offers a blend of beautiful landscapes and vibrant city life, making it a popular destination for many. In the context of the movie, it represents a pivotal choice for Matt as he considers what is best for his daughter.

🌍 Croatia 🏙️ City Life

Themes


💔

Grief

The theme of grief is profoundly woven throughout the film as Matt copes with the loss of his wife, Liz. His journey reveals the depth of sorrow and the challenges of facing life as a single parent. It illustrates how love and memory can persist even amidst such profound heartache.

👨‍👧

Parenthood

Parenthood is central to the story as Matt navigates the complexities of raising his daughter, Maddy, alone. The film illuminates the obstacles and joys that come with being a single father, showcasing the unconditional love and resilience required to nurture a child in challenging circumstances.

❤️

Love & Relationships

The exploration of love and relationships is depicted through Matt's interactions with his daughter and the woman he meets, Swan. The film highlights the importance of connection, the fear of vulnerability, and the gradual rebuilding of relationships after loss.

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