Finding Joy 2013
Directed by
Carlo De Rosa
Made by
Applied Art Productions
Plot Summary
Pompous and self-absorbed, KYLE LIVINGSTON (played by Josh Cooke), who is in his mid-30s, finds himself in a rut, yearning for the glory of his first novel’s success. Things take a turn for the worse, forcing him to return home to his wildly eccentric family, feeling defeated. Upon his arrival, he discovers that his estranged father, ALAN (portrayed by Barry Bostwick), a handsome yet agoraphobic curmudgeon in his 60s, has transformed Kyle’s old bedroom into an appalling bathroom. This revelation only exacerbates Kyle’s frustration with his family, which includes his older brother, MARSHALL (played by Tyler Bunch), a goofy telemarketer harboring a secret, and his sister-in-law, PATSY (a role by Kiki Harris), a highly strung former cheerleader grappling with a meltdown. Additionally, there’s MEL (portrayed by Arielle Hoffman), their wise and sensitive daughter, often overlooked, and GLORIA (played by LAINIE KAZAN), Alan’s exuberant and nurturing live-in girlfriend.
However, life at home slowly begins to improve when Kyle encounters the spirited and vivacious JOY BAILEY (brought to life by LIANE BALABAN), a delightful, offbeat bohemian beauty living across the street. She sparks a flame in his spirit and encourages him to aid her in her quest to make the world a better place, which rekindles his passion for writing. Yet, this newly found joy is short-lived as Joy reveals her dire situation—she has been told she is facing imminent death and wishes for Kyle to pen her obituary.
As Kyle spends more time with Joy, he inadvertently falls in love with her and begins to question the validity of her claims about dying. Motivated by the support of his whimsical family, he sets out to convince Joy of her vitality and the many years she still has ahead—years she should spend alongside him. But will destiny intervene in their heartfelt journey?
Timeline
Kyle's Struggles
Kyle Livingston, a once-successful author, finds himself stuck in a rut, longing for the days when his first novel brought him acclaim. His mid-30s have become a period of self-doubt and frustration as he grapples with his diminished career.
Return Home
Feeling defeated, Kyle decides to return to his family's eccentric home. This return marks a significant point in his life as he faces his past and the dynamics of his family that he had tried to escape.
The Bathroom Revelation
Upon his arrival, Kyle is shocked to discover that his old bedroom has been transformed into a bizarre bathroom. This strange revelation encapsulates the chaotic nature of his family and adds to his feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Family Dynamics
At home, Kyle interacts with his quirky family, including Marshall, his goofy brother, and Patsy, his anxious sister-in-law. Their interactions reveal hidden secrets and add layers of complexity to Kyle's return.
Meeting Mel and Gloria
Kyle also meets Mel, his overlooked niece, and Gloria, his father's lively girlfriend. Their unique personalities further contribute to the colorful, yet chaotic atmosphere of the household.
Encounter with Joy
Things begin to shift for Kyle when he meets Joy Bailey, an inspiring and quirky bohemian who lives across the street. Her vibrant spirit reignites something within him, pushing him towards personal growth.
Inspiration Strikes
Joy encourages Kyle to engage once again with his passion for writing, working together to fulfill her dream of making the world a better place. This collaboration marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Kyle.
Joy's Dark Secret
Kyle's newfound happiness is soon overshadowed when Joy confides in him about her terminal illness. She expresses a desire for Kyle to write her obituary, which strikes a chord of fear and disbelief within him.
Falling in Love
As Kyle spends more time with Joy, his admiration turns into love. Their relationship deepens, and Kyle starts questioning Joy's claims about her imminent demise, igniting a spark of hope within him.
Family Support
With the encouragement from his whimsical family, Kyle embarks on a mission to convince Joy of her strength and potential. This collective support serves as a crucial turning point in both their lives.
Facing Destiny
As Kyle and Joy grow closer, the question of fate looms over them. Kyle must navigate the tensions between joy, love, and the harsh realities of life, all while trying to change Joy's outlook on the future.
Rekindling Passion
Through his connection with Joy, Kyle slowly rekindles his passion for writing and storytelling. It becomes apparent that his creativity isn’t just about fame but about expressing genuine human experiences.
Joy's Choice
Joy stands at a crossroads between embracing life and succumbing to despair. Her decision will ultimately influence not just her fate, but also Kyle's journey towards self-discovery.
Climactic Confession
In a heartfelt conversation, Kyle declares his love for Joy, urging her to embrace the life she still has ahead of her. This moment serves as a pivotal climax in their relationship and Kyle's self-reckoning.
A New Chapter
The film concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as both Kyle and Joy embark on a new chapter together. Their journey highlights the power of love and family in overcoming life's adversities.
Characters
Kyle Livingston
Kyle is a self-absorbed writer in his mid-30s who feels lost amidst his past success. His return home forces him to confront not only his family's eccentricities but also his own insecurities. Throughout the story, he evolves from a frustrated individual into someone capable of love and acceptance.
Joy Bailey
Joy is a vivacious bohemian beauty who brings light into Kyle's dreary life. Her offbeat outlook and passion for making the world a better place inspire Kyle to believe in love and happiness again. Despite her dire situation, her spirit remains unbroken, and she captivates those around her.
Alan
Alan is Kyle's estranged father, a handsome yet agoraphobic curmudgeon. He struggles with his own demons yet embodies a complex kind of love for his family. His character serves to illustrate the difficulties of father-son relationships and the impact of isolation.
Marshall
Marshall is Kyle's goofy older brother who works as a telemarketer and grapples with his own secrets. His lighthearted nature contrasts with the family's heavier themes, showcasing the dynamic of sibling relationships and the need for humor in challenging times.
Patsy
Patsy is an overworked sister-in-law and former cheerleader who is experiencing a personal crisis. Her heightened emotions add to the family's drama, reflecting how external pressures can affect individual mental states within familial confines.
Mel
Mel is the wise and sensitive daughter who often feels overlooked in a chaotic family environment. Her quiet strength and insights provide depth to the family dynamics, emphasizing the theme of understanding and support.
Gloria
Gloria, Alan's exuberant live-in girlfriend, adds a nurturing presence to the household. Her vibrant personality contrasts Alan’s curmudgeonly nature, showcasing the complexity of romantic relationships amidst familial challenges.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern themes of self-discovery and the complexities of family dynamics. It highlights the pressures of societal expectations, especially on a struggling writer in his 30s.
Location
Kyle's Family Home, Across the Street
Kyle's family home is filled with eccentricities, embodying the chaotic yet loving nature of his family. Across the street lives Joy, whose bohemian world contrasts with Kyle's frustrations, symbolizing hope and inspiration. The neighborhood serves as a canvas for their evolving relationship.
Themes
❤️
Love
The theme of love permeates throughout the film, showcasing how it can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances. Kyle's budding relationship with Joy challenges his self-centered worldview and ignites a desire for meaningful connection. This love motivates him to strive for both her happiness and his own.
🌀
Family Dynamics
The movie intricately explores family dynamics, revealing the complexities that come with familial relationships. Each character adds to the chaotic tapestry that shapes Kyle's experience, pushing him to confront his past. Through this chaos, the importance of support and acceptance emerges as key to personal growth.
🖊️
Creative Renewal
Kyle's journey highlights the theme of creative renewal—how inspiration can be rediscovered through interpersonal connections. Joy’s influence prompts him to overcome his writer's block and rediscover his passion for storytelling. This theme emphasizes the transformative power of relationships.
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.