In America 2003
Directed by
Jim Sheridan
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
In 1982, a family from Ireland consisting of Johnny (Paddy Considine), Sarah (Samantha Morton), and their daughters Christy (Sarah Bolger) and Ariel (Emma Bolger) arrive in the United States on a tourist visa through Canada, where Johnny had been working as an aspiring actor. They settle into a worn-down tenement in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, surrounded by a cast of eccentric neighbors including a reclusive Nigerian artist and photographer named Mateo Kuamey (Djimon Hounsou). The family’s journey is clouded by the emotional weight of their tragic past—the death of their young son Frankie, who succumbed to a brain tumor. This loss profoundly affects Johnny’s faith and emotional state, leaving him grappling with his grief and distanced from his family. Meanwhile, Christy feels connected to her late brother, believing she has been granted three wishes that she saves for dire moments of need.
As Sarah takes up work at a local ice cream shop to support the family, Johnny strives to land acting roles, but remains unsuccessful in his pursuits. Despite their financial struggles, the early days in America bring a sense of unity and joy to the family, with Christy capturing their experiences on a cherished camcorder. In search of relief from the sweltering summer heat, the family resorts to their dwindling savings for an outing to see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, seeking both entertainment and cool air. However, with the escalating temperatures come heightened tensions between Johnny and Sarah—complicated further by the news of Sarah’s pregnancy.
On Halloween, the girls form a bond with Mateo when they approach his door to trick-or-treat. Though Johnny is initially apprehensive about Mateo’s brooding demeanor, Sarah extends an invitation to him for dinner, uncovering the poignant truth of his lonely battle against AIDS. Following a tragic incident in which Mateo collapses, Christy attempts to perform CPR, oblivious to the concerning opinions of other residents regarding Mateo’s condition. As Sarah’s pregnancy progresses, their worry grows over the impending birth of their child—especially when complications arise, leading to a premature delivery with escalating medical costs. In a moment of anguish, Sarah lashes out at Johnny, blaming him for Frankie’s death, unraveling under the pressure.
With great deliberation, the couple consents to a blood transfusion for their newborn, seeking a safe solution that avoids the “bad blood” associated with Mateo. Miraculously, Christy’s blood type matches, allowing her to donate and contribute to saving the baby’s life, coinciding with Mateo’s eventual passing. To the family’s astonishment, they later learn that Mateo had not only covered their exorbitant hospital bills but was also the beneficiary of a trust fund of considerable wealth.
In a gesture of remembrance, they grant their new daughter the middle name of Mateo. As the family welcomes their newest member and mourns Mateo’s loss, Johnny begins to find closure, ultimately landing a role in A Chorus Line on Broadway. The film culminates in a heartwarming baby shower at their apartment, bringing together many tenants of the building in celebration, as Christy and her family gaze out toward the city and cherish the memory of Mateo in the night sky.
Timeline
Arrival in the United States
In 1982, the Irish family consisting of Johnny, Sarah, and their daughters Christy and Ariel arrives in the United States through Canada. They come on a tourist visa, bringing with them the hopes of a fresh start while carrying the emotional burden of their tragic past.
Settling into Hell's Kitchen
The family moves into a worn-down tenement in Hell's Kitchen, surrounded by a diverse group of eccentric neighbors. One of them is Mateo Kuamey, a reclusive Nigerian artist and photographer who becomes pivotal in their new life in America.
Struggles with Grief
The loss of their young son Frankie, who died from a brain tumor, casts a long shadow over the family. Johnny grapples with his faith and emotional state, creating a rift between him and his wife, Sarah, while Christy believes she has three wishes linked to her deceased brother.
Sarah Begins Working
To support the family financially, Sarah takes a job at a local ice cream shop. Meanwhile, Johnny pursues acting roles unsuccessfully, leading to increasing financial strain despite sporadic moments of joy for the family.
Family Outing to E.T.
In search of relief from the sweltering summer heat, the family decides to spend their dwindling savings on a trip to see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. This outing not only provides entertainment but also a fleeting escape from their financial struggles.
Tensions Rise
As the temperatures climb, so do tensions between Johnny and Sarah, especially with the news of Sarah's unexpected pregnancy. The couple finds their relationship strained by the weight of past tragedies and current pressures.
Halloween with Mateo
On Halloween, Christy and Ariel knock on Mateo's door to trick-or-treat, forming a bond with him. Sarah, choosing to reach out, invites him to dinner, allowing the family to learn about Mateo's lonely struggle with AIDS.
Mateo's Collapse
A tragic incident occurs when Mateo collapses, prompting Christy to attempt CPR despite the concern of onlookers. This moment reveals the deepening connection between the family and Mateo, creating a poignant bond in the face of suffering.
Sarah's Complications
As Sarah's pregnancy progresses, complications arise, leading to a premature delivery with mounting medical costs. Overwhelmed by stress, Sarah lashes out at Johnny, igniting tensions between them that stem from their shared grief.
Life-Saving Decision
Faced with a difficult choice, Johnny and Sarah consent to a blood transfusion for their newborn. Christy's blood type miraculously matches, allowing her to donate and save the baby’s life, showcasing the deep family ties that transcend their struggles.
Mateo's Final Gesture
After Mateo's passing, the family learns that he had covered their hospital bills and left behind a significant trust fund. This act of kindness transforms their dire situation into a newfound sense of hope and gratitude for Mateo's memory.
Naming Their Daughter
In honor of Mateo, the family decides to name their newborn daughter with Mateo as her middle name. This gesture reflects their deep appreciation for the connection they shared with him and symbolizes their way of keeping his memory alive.
Johnny's Breakthrough
With time, Johnny begins to find closure from his grief after the profound experiences he faced. He ultimately lands a role in A Chorus Line on Broadway, representing a significant breakthrough in his acting career and a move toward healing.
Baby Shower Celebration
The film culminates in a heartwarming baby shower held at their apartment, where many neighbors come together to celebrate the family’s new addition. As they gaze at the city and remember Mateo, it symbolizes their resilience and unity amidst life's challenges.
Characters
Johnny (Paddy Considine)
Johnny is a heartbroken father striving to heal from the loss of his son. An aspiring actor, he grapples with failure and the emotional weight of his past, which strains his relationships within the family. His journey depicts the complexities of grief and the desperate search for hope as he learns to find closure.
Sarah (Samantha Morton)
Sarah is a resilient mother who takes on the role of caretaker while navigating her own grief. Working at an ice cream shop to support the family, she faces internal conflicts exacerbated by the pressure of her pregnancy. Her emotional outbursts reveal her vulnerability as she copes with the loss of her child and the impending challenges of family life.
Mateo Kuamey (Djimon Hounsou)
Mateo is a reclusive Nigerian artist whose struggle with AIDS adds depth to the narrative. Initially perceived as distant, his character evolves to reveal a compassionate individual whose kindness profoundly impacts Johnny and Sarah. He serves as a poignant reminder of the need for connection and understanding amidst personal battles.
Setting
Time period
1982
The year 1982 was marked by significant cultural developments, including the rise of new waves in cinema and music. It was a time of social change and economic challenges, especially for immigrant families seeking better opportunities in America. The events of this period influence the family's journey as they navigate their new life.
Location
Hell's Kitchen, New York City
Hell's Kitchen is a vibrant neighborhood in New York City known for its rich history and diverse community. Once notorious for its rough streets, it has transformed into a cultural hub with a mix of theaters and restaurants. The setting provides a backdrop for the family's struggles and interactions with their unique neighbors.
Themes
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Grief
Grief is a central theme in 'In America,' shaping the lives of Johnny and Sarah as they deal with the loss of their son Frankie. The emotional scars from this tragedy create tension within the family, highlighting the struggle to move forward while maintaining a sense of hope. Christy's connection with her late brother adds a layer of poignant longing throughout their adaptation to life in America.
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Family Bonds
The theme of family bonds is beautifully illustrated as the family's love for each other provides strength during their toughest moments. Despite financial struggles and emotional turmoil, the connections between Johnny, Sarah, Christy, and Ariel are portrayed with warmth and depth. As they face life's challenges together, their unity becomes a source of resilience and joy.
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Compassion
Compassion emerges through the relationship with Mateo, portraying the importance of human connection amidst suffering. His struggles with AIDS and the family's willingness to support him illustrate the impact of kindness and empathy. The emotional connection they develop reinforces the theme of support and understanding that transcends personal grief.
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