Directed by
Tom Vaughan
Made by
Lionsgate
Richard Haig’s heartfelt conversation with his young son Jakey sets the stage for a shocking revelation that will upend his world. As he reflects on his troubled upbringing, it becomes evident that Richard has mirrored the infidelities of his university professor father, becoming embroiled in numerous fleeting romantic escapades that have left many hearts shattered.
Among these brief liaisons is Kate, a stunning 25-year-old American beauty who has caught Richard’s eye. Little does he understand that destiny has different plans for him. On the night he is scheduled to meet Kate and her father at a hotel bar, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to another alluring woman, only to be taken by surprise with the unexpected arrival of Olivia – Kate’s sister and a newfound acquaintance.
As Richard and Olivia engage in conversation, it quickly becomes apparent that these sisters share more than just striking looks; they are the result of a secret polygamous union built on a foundation of total honesty and unwavering trust. During their discussion of complex family ties, Olivia shares that Kate views Richard as a father figure, which triggers a series of events that will profoundly change his life.
The news of Kate’s pregnancy serves as a powerful catalyst for Richard’s awakening sense of responsibility. He begins to reassess his priorities, promising to leave behind his wandering ways. This leads him to propose marriage and relocate to Los Angeles, where he finds himself in a lackluster job at a community college, teaching students who seem indifferent to their studies.
In a flash forward, we see Jakey, now older, witnessing the fallout from Richard’s recent choices. Struggling with dental pain from an incident involving his son, Richard is prescribed medication that warns against alcohol. Despite the warnings, he finds himself at a gathering where he indulges in drinks, leading to erratic behavior. The inevitable consequence is a police stop that results in his license being revoked.
Simultaneously, Olivia faces her own turmoil as she uncovers her husband Alan’s infidelity. In a show of sisterly support, Kate invites Olivia to stay with them, offering assistance in caring for Jakey while she takes a four-day trip with Brian. As Richard grapples with his new reality, he navigates a complex web of emotions and responsibilities, all while attending mandatory AA meetings critical to his immigration status and self-identity.
As Richard and Olivia share time caring for Jakey, an underlying spark ignites between them, driven by her appreciation for his fatherly instincts and his uncertainties about her relationship with Tim, her publisher. Their mutual attraction simmers dangerously close to the surface, leading to a night of heated passion in the pool house.
The unexpected return of Kate and Brian throws them into confusion. To cover her tracks, Olivia opts for a midnight swim, pretending to indulge in spontaneous skinny-dipping. Meanwhile, Richard remains apparently unfazed by the surprise visit until a familiar face appears: his estranged father, a profound surprise to everyone present, including his ex-daughter-in-law and grandson.
After completing his tenth AA meeting, Richard faces disappointment when the coordinator denies him certification, citing a lack of sincere remorse. Determined to change course, he ventures into an unorthodox approach during a lecture for his uninterested students. Mistakenly believing he has failed, he leaves a defeated voicemail for his father but soon receives an unexpected job offer from the ULA representative.
Elated and feeling validated, Richard rushes home to share his newfound joy and allusions to his intimacy with Olivia, oblivious to the fact that Brian and Kate have overheard every intimate detail. The repercussions are swift; Kate refuses to support him in his immigration interview, leading to the rejection of his deportation case.
As the moment arrives to explain his situation with Jakey, Richard and his son face an emotional farewell before he embarks on his journey back to the UK to resume lecturing. A hospital visit from Robert later offers hopeful encouragement when Richard learns of his father’s dying wish for him to pursue Olivia, a woman he has grown to admire for her steadfastness.
The stipulations in the will demand that Richard’s father be interred in LA, prompting him to sneak back to mend fences with Kate. The family later gathers at Olivia’s book launch, where the sisters finally reconcile. After scattering his father’s ashes, Richard embarks on a courageous journey, proposing to Olivia, ushering in a fresh chapter in their intricate yet deeply passionate bond.
Heartfelt Discussion
Richard Haig has a poignant conversation with his young son Jakey, reflecting on the challenges of his past and the impact it has had on his present actions. This moment sets the tone for the troubled journey that lies ahead, emphasizing the family dynamics that are about to unfold.
Mirror of Infidelity
As Richard contemplates his troubled upbringing, it becomes clear that he has emulated the infidelities of his father, a university professor. This realization highlights Richard's struggle with commitment and trust, illuminating his chaotic romantic escapades.
Encounter with Kate
Richard is captivated by Kate, a stunning 25-year-old beauty, as he prepares to meet her and her father. However, fate intervenes when he unexpectedly encounters Olivia, Kate's sister, which complicates his intentions and leads to unforeseen consequences.
The Secret Polygamous Union
During a conversation with Olivia, Richard learns about the extraordinary family dynamics shared by the sisters, who are products of a secret polygamous marriage based on honesty and trust. This revelation alters Richard's perspective on relationships and his role in them.
Kate's Pregnancy
The news of Kate's pregnancy serves as a pivotal moment for Richard, prompting an emotional shift towards responsibility. Confronted with the reality of impending fatherhood, he vows to change his ways and seeks a more stable life.
Relocation to Los Angeles
Richard proposes to Kate and relocates to Los Angeles, hoping for a fresh start. However, he finds himself in a lackluster teaching job at a community college, which leaves him feeling unfulfilled and distanced from his aspirations.
Jakey's Teenage Struggles
As Jakey grows older, he observes the fallout of Richard's choices and faces challenges of his own. An incident leads Richard to seek medication, which he misuses as he attends gatherings, highlighting the family's struggle with addiction.
Olivia's Turmoil
Olivia discovers her husband Alan's infidelity, fueling her own emotional crisis. In a gesture of support, Kate invites Olivia to stay with them while she travels with Brian, temporarily bringing the sisters closer amidst their respective tribulations.
Growing Attraction
As Richard and Olivia bond over caring for Jakey, their attraction intensifies. Olivia appreciates Richard's fatherly instincts, and this emotional connection leads to a night of passion, complicating their already tangled relationships.
The Surprise Visit
The unexpected return of Kate and Brian catches Richard and Olivia off-guard. To deflect suspicion, Olivia opts for a midnight swim, but their actions lead to a series of misunderstandings and heightened tensions within the household.
AA Meeting Disappointment
After completing his tenth AA meeting, Richard is disappointed to learn that he won't receive certification due to perceived insincerity. This setback compels him to rethink his approach to both recovery and his relationship with his family.
Job Offer Surprise
Facing a sense of defeat, Richard receives an unexpected job offer from a ULA representative after a lecture. This moment revitalizes his confidence and provides a glimmer of hope for his career and personal life, though complications loom.
Eavesdropping Consequences
In a moment of excitement, Richard rushes home to share his job news and thoughts on Olivia, unaware that Kate and Brian have overheard everything. This breach of trust leads Kate to withdraw her support, jeopardizing Richard's immigration case.
Emotional Farewell
With the impending threat of deportation, Richard has a heart-wrenching farewell with Jakey. This moment signifies the emotional toll of his choices and the pain associated with leaving his son behind as he prepares to return to the UK.
Father's Dying Wish
After a poignant hospital visit, Richard learns that his father's dying wish is for him to pursue Olivia. This revelation encourages Richard to confront his feelings and reassess his priorities, setting the stage for a heartfelt proposal.
Richard Haig
Richard is a complex character driven by his tumultuous past and a yearning for authentic connections. Initially portrayed as a carefree individual with a history of infidelity, he evolves into a more responsible figure as he faces the consequences of his actions, particularly in the context of fatherhood and love.
Olivia
Olivia is a strong and supportive character, navigating her own challenges while fostering meaningful relationships with those around her. She grapples with her marriage's infidelity and provides emotional support to her sister and Richard, ultimately developing a romantic bond that complicates their lives yet offers hope and depth.
Kate
Kate is introduced as a youthful beauty with a profound connection to Richard. Her revelation of pregnancy serves as a catalyst for Richard’s transformation, while her strong family ties complicate the relationships surrounding her. Her character embodies both vulnerability and strength.
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal challenges such as family dynamics and personal accountability. Themes of responsibility, temptation, and the consequences of one's actions resonate throughout Richard's journey.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture, serves as the backdrop for Richard's journey of self-discovery and responsibility. The city is a blend of glitz and everyday life, where Richard finds himself in a community college, teaching indifferent students amidst his personal turmoil.
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Love & Responsibility
The central theme revolves around love and the responsibilities that come with it. Richard's journey begins with fleeting romances, but the revelation of Kate's pregnancy forces him to reassess his priorities and strive for a more meaningful connection, ultimately leading to unexpected bonds with Olivia.
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Redemption
Richard's quest for redemption is a powerful undercurrent in the story. As he grapples with his past mistakes, including his infidelities and struggles with substance abuse, his journey through AA meetings and family dynamics reflects a pursuit of personal growth and reconciliation.
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Fatherhood
The theme of fatherhood is epitomized in Richard's relationship with his son, Jakey. His initial irresponsibility transforms into a deep commitment as he confronts the impact of his choices on his family, highlighting the emotional ties and weight of paternal love.
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