Mr. Harrigan's Phone 2022
Directed by
John Lee Hancock
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 2003, a young Craig finds himself forging an unexpected friendship with retired businessman John Harrigan after the tragic passing of his mother. Tasked with simply reading to Harrigan three times a week, this unusual bond deepens over time. By five years later, Craig, now a teenager, and Harrigan share a genuine camaraderie.
As Craig embarks on his high school journey, he encounters supportive teacher Ms. Hart who provides him with guidance when he becomes the target of school bully Kenny Yankovich. When a lottery ticket gifted by Harrigan wins him $3,000, Craig celebrates by buying Harrigan his very own iPhone for Christmas. Initially hesitant to embrace the new technology, the elderly Harrigan soon discovers the joy of his new device.
However, the happiness is short-lived as Harrigan passes away, leaving Craig heartbroken after losing a dear friend. During the funeral, in a poignant act of affection, Craig smuggles Harrigan’s phone into the coffin. Later, he learns of a significant inheritance from Harrigan’s will: a trust fund of $800,000 intended to help Craig pursue his education and writing aspirations.
After calling Harrigan’s phone to express his gratitude, Craig is shocked to find an unexpected text waiting for him the next day. His father dismisses the message as a mere glitch in the phone. Moving forward, Craig navigates the trials of adolescence, attending a dance with his crush and encountering Kenny again, who threatens him over alleged betrayals regarding drug dealings, leading to Kenny’s expulsion.
Overwhelmed and distressed, Craig calls Harrigan’s phone to share his fears and expresses a longing for advice, declaring, > “I wish that you were here just to give me some advice.” In an eerie twist, the next day, Kenny is discovered dead from a fatal fall from his bedroom window, leaving Craig in shock.
In an effort to escape the turmoil, Craig upgrades his phone at an Apple store, abandoning his old device. With determination, he graduates high school and heads to Boston for college, aiming to major in journalism. However, unexpected news from his father shatters his solace—Ms. Hart has tragically lost her life in a car accident involving a drunk driver, Dean Whitmore, who faces light consequences despite a history of offenses.
Fueled by anger, Craig uses his old phone to send a distressing message to Harrigan, wishing death upon Whitmore. To his astonishment, he learns that the driver has been found dead in suspicious circumstances. Curiosity drives Craig to investigate the rehab center where Whitmore was sent, leading him to discover unsettling details of the driver’s demise linked to Ms. Hart.
In a heartbreaking moment, Craig reflects on Harrigan’s once-offered wisdom, thinking perhaps the mysterious messages are Harrigan’s way of encouraging him to move on. After visiting Harrigan’s “secret closet”—a hidden shrine to his mother—Craig makes his way to her grave to seek forgiveness.
Struggling with grief, Craig finds himself at the edge of the town quarry, wrestling with the desire to succumb to despair. Instead, he ultimately chooses to cast his phone into the depths of the water, symbolizing his wish to leave the past behind. As he walks away, he contemplates his future, vowing that when his own time comes, he wishes to depart with his pockets empty, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead.
Timeline
Track the key events of Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Craig Meets Harrigan
In 2003, a young Craig forges an unexpected friendship with retired businessman John Harrigan after the tragic passing of his mother. Initially tasked with reading to Harrigan three times a week, their bond begins to grow as they find solace in each other's company.
Bonding Through Time
Five years later, Craig is now a teenager, and his relationship with Harrigan deepens into a genuine friendship. They share moments of laughter and wisdom, which help Craig navigate his early adolescent challenges.
Supportive Teachers
As Craig begins high school, he meets his supportive teacher, Ms. Hart, who guides him through the struggles of being targeted by school bully Kenny Yankovich. Ms. Hart's encouragement becomes a beacon of hope during Craig's challenging times.
Winning the Lottery
Craig receives a lottery ticket as a gift from Harrigan and is ecstatic when it wins $3,000. Celebrating this newfound fortune, he decides to buy Harrigan an iPhone for Christmas, eager to introduce him to new technology.
Harrigan Embraces Technology
Initially hesitant about using his new iPhone, Harrigan gradually discovers the joy of modern technology. This new connection allows the two friends to communicate in ways they had not before, further strengthening their bond.
Heartbreaking Loss
The happiness of Craig and Harrigan is cut short when Harrigan passes away, leaving Craig devastated. During the funeral, in a heartfelt act of love, Craig sneaks Harrigan's phone into the coffin as a final tribute.
Inheritance Revealed
After the funeral, Craig learns about his inheritance from Harrigan's will, which includes a trust fund of $800,000. This substantial amount is intended to support Craig in pursuing his education and writing dreams.
Strange Messages
Craig calls Harrigan's phone to express his gratitude and is shocked when he receives an unexpected text the following day. His father brushes it off as a glitch, but Craig begins to wonder if there might be more to the messages.
Dance and Conflict
As Craig navigates high school life, he attends a dance with his crush, but later faces Kenny again, who threatens him regarding supposed betrayals. Kenny's aggressive behavior ultimately leads to his expulsion, highlighting the tension in Craig's life.
A Dire Phone Call
Feeling overwhelmed, Craig calls Harrigan's phone to share his fears and longing for advice, stating, 'I wish that you were here just to give me some advice.' The very next day, Kenny is found dead from a fall, leaving Craig in shock at the eerie coincidence.
New Beginnings
In an attempt to escape the chaos in his life, Craig upgrades his phone at an Apple store, moving on from his old device. He graduates high school and heads to Boston for college, aiming to study journalism and start anew.
Tragic News Strikes
Craig's newfound solace is shattered when he learns that Ms. Hart has tragically died in a car accident caused by drunk driver Dean Whitmore. The news devastates him, especially as it highlights the injustices in the world.
Seeking Justice
Fueled by anger over Ms. Hart's death, Craig uses his old phone to send a harsh message to Harrigan, wishing death upon Whitmore. To his disbelief, he soon learns that the driver has died under mysterious circumstances.
Investigating the Past
Driven by curiosity and a need for answers, Craig investigates the rehab center where Dean Whitmore was sent. He uncovers unsettling details that link Whitmore's death to his beloved teacher, causing Craig to question the nature of justice.
Letting Go
Struggling with grief, Craig visits the town quarry, contemplating his troubled past. Ultimately, he chooses to cast his phone into the water, symbolizing his desire to leave behind his burdens and embrace the uncertainty of the future.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Craig
Craig is a sensitive and introspective teenager who navigates the complexities of adolescence following the loss of his loved ones. His character evolves as he confronts challenges at school and grapples with grief, ultimately seeking closure and direction for his future.
Mr. Harrigan (Donald Sutherland)
Mr. Harrigan is a retired businessman who forms a unique bond with young Craig. His wisdom and life experiences shape Craig's worldview, providing guidance amidst the turbulence of adolescence.
Ms. Hart (Peggy Scott)
Ms. Hart serves as Craig's supportive teacher, encouraging him during tough times. Her tragic death acts as a catalyst for Craig's emotional turmoil and quest for justice.
Kenny Yankovich (Cyrus Arnold)
Kenny is the school bully who poses a significant threat to Craig. His confrontational nature ultimately leads to a dramatic fallout, highlighting themes of conflict and bullying.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2003-2008
The events of the movie unfold over several years, beginning in 2003 and progressing into 2008. This period is marked by notable changes in technology and social interactions, as Craig navigates his teenage years and faces challenges that resonate with the struggles of adolescence.
Location
Boston, Town Quarry
The movie primarily takes place in Boston, a bustling city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The town quarry serves as a significant location for Craig, symbolizing his battle with grief and his decision to let go of his past. Both places represent key moments in Craig's journey of growth and self-discovery.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loss
Loss is a central theme in the film, affecting Craig profoundly after the death of both his mother and Mr. Harrigan. These experiences of grief shape his character and decisions throughout the story, as he seeks closure and understanding in the wake of his losses.
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Technology
The introduction of technology, particularly through Harrigan's iPhone, plays a pivotal role in the narrative. It becomes a tool for communication beyond death, propelling Craig into a moral conundrum as he grapples with the implications of using technology to connect with his deceased friend.
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Justice
Justice is a recurring theme, particularly in the context of Ms. Hart's tragic accident and the subsequent actions Craig takes. His desire for retribution leads to unexpected consequences, prompting reflections on fairness, accountability, and the complexity of seeking justice.
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