October Baby 2012
Directed by
Andrew Erwin
Made by
Provident Films
Plot Summary
Hannah, a 19-year-old college freshman burdened by epilepsy, asthma, and depression, finds herself on the verge of her theatrical debut when a catastrophic collapse on stage forces her to confront the emotional turmoil brewing within her. This intense moment leads to poignant conversations with her parents and a doctor, who uncovers passages from her journal revealing her feelings of alienation and emotional neglect. The bombshell revelation that Hannah is adopted unearths the tumultuous history of her biological mother’s struggles during pregnancy, including her desire to abort her.
In search of comfort, Hannah confides in her steadfast friend, Jason Burkey, and shares her emotional chaos, which ultimately inspires her to track down her birth mother. Ignoring her father [Jacob Lawson]‘s apprehensions regarding her fragile health, she insists on journeying to New Orleans with Jason and his friends for spring break, fueled by an insatiable curiosity for the truth. Their escapades lead them to Mobile, Alabama, where they pay respects at the hospital of her birth, only to face unexpected trouble when they are arrested for unlawfully entering a restricted area.
However, the local sheriff, touched by Hannah’s authenticity, decides to set them free while offering vital information about the nurse who signed her birth certificate, pushing Hannah closer to uncovering her past. Armed with this newfound lead, she pays a visit to the nurse and learns about her twin brother, a sibling she never knew existed, and the compelling yet heartbreaking story of their births.
Meeting her biological mother floods Hannah with complex emotions, including rage stemming from rejection. This tumultuous reunion is compounded by her father discovering her lies about socializing and checking with her doctor, prompting him to restrict Jason’s contact with her. Heartbroken, Jason retreats back to his friends, breaking things off with his girlfriend, Alanna, and reaching out to Hannah’s father to express his regret and intention to make amends.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Hannah’s adoptive parents, though loving, have wrestled with their own issues. The burden of their hidden truths culminates in their decision to share the poignant story behind their choice to adopt Hannah and her late brother, a narrative steeped in loss and resilience.
Feeling increasingly lost, Hannah finds a moment of peace inside a Catholic Church, where a compassionate priest’s words usher in a profound realization. This moment allows her to face her biological mother with newfound understanding, ultimately paving the way for forgiveness that puts to rest the traumas of her past.
As Hannah and Jason, now more than just friends, return to the theater where it all began, they seize the chance to complete the play that was prematurely halted. This act symbolizes not only their shared journey but also the deepening of their relationship. The story concludes with a sense of hope and renewal as Hannah, now at peace, prepares to embark on her college journey, enveloped in the love of her adoptive family. With a bright smile and Jason’s hand securely in hers, she acknowledges her parents’ selfless choice to bring her into their lives when she needed it the most.
Timeline
Hannah's Theatrical Debut
Hannah, a 19-year-old college freshman, stands on the brink of her theatrical debut. However, a catastrophic collapse on stage triggers a deep emotional crisis within her, revealing the turmoil she has been suppressing.
Conversations About Emotional Turmoil
Following the stage disaster, Hannah engages in deep conversations with her parents and a doctor. These discussions unveil her feelings of alienation and emotional neglect highlighted in her journal entries.
Revelation of Adoption
Hannah discovers the shocking truth that she is adopted, which brings to light the struggles her biological mother faced during pregnancy, including a desire to abort. This revelation not only shakes her fundamentally but also leads her to seek answers about her past.
Confiding in Jason
In search of comfort, Hannah confides in her steadfast friend Jason. This sharing of her emotional chaos spurs her to take the courageous step of tracing her birth mother.
Journey to New Orleans
Ignoring her father's concerns for her fragile health, Hannah insists on traveling to New Orleans with Jason and his friends for spring break. This trip is driven by her intense curiosity to uncover the truth about her origins.
Visit to Birth Hospital
The group travels to Mobile, Alabama, to visit the hospital where Hannah was born. Their intentions take a wrong turn when they are arrested for unlawfully entering a restricted area at the facility.
Release and New Information
Fortunately, the local sheriff, moved by Hannah’s heartfelt story, releases them and provides information about the nurse who signed Hannah's birth certificate. This encounter serves as a crucial link in her journey to uncover her past.
Meeting the Nurse
Hannah visits the nurse who played a significant role in her birth. It is here she learns not only about her biological mother but also that she has a twin brother whom she never knew existed.
Reunion with Biological Mother
The emotional reunion with her biological mother overwhelms Hannah with mixed feelings, especially anger at being rejected. This complex interaction further complicates her emotional landscape.
Father's Discovery
Hannah's father uncovers her lies about her whereabouts, leading to increased tension in their relationship. He feels compelled to restrict Jason's contact with her, believing it to be in her best interest.
Jason's Heartbreak
In the wake of Hannah's father's decision, Jason withdraws from Hannah and returns to his life. Heartbroken and conflicted, he reaches out to Hannah's father to express his regret and desire to make amends.
Hannah's Adoptive Parents' Struggles
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that although loving, Hannah's adoptive parents have faced their own challenges. They decide to share the poignant backstory of their choice to adopt Hannah and her late brother, revealing layers of loss and resilience.
Moment of Peace
Amid her turmoil, Hannah finds solace inside a Catholic Church. There, the comforting words of a compassionate priest lead her to a profound realization, granting her the clarity to confront her biological mother.
Forgiveness
Empowered by her newfound understanding, Hannah returns to her biological mother ready to embrace forgiveness. This pivotal moment shifts her perspective and helps reconcile the traumas of her past.
Return to the Theater
Finally, Hannah and Jason return to the theater where her tumultuous journey began. They seize the opportunity to complete the play that was left unfinished, symbolizing not only their personal growth but also the deepening bond between them.
Characters
Hannah
Hannah is a 19-year-old college freshman battling epilepsy, asthma, and depression. She struggles with feelings of alienation, stemming from her experience of being adopted. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she confronts her past and seeks connection with her biological mother, leading her to crucial realizations about love and acceptance.
Jason Burkey
Jason is Hannah's steadfast friend, providing emotional support throughout her tumultuous journey. He symbolizes loyalty and care, as he encourages Hannah to pursue her search for identity despite the risks involved. His compassion and understanding deepen their bond, transitioning their relationship from friendship to something more significant.
Setting
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues such as adoption, mental health, and the challenges faced by young adults. The themes of self-discovery and emotional healing resonate with the current societal focus on mental well-being and family dynamics.
Location
New Orleans, Mobile, Alabama, Catholic Church
New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, music, and rich history, often celebrated through its festivals. Mobile, Alabama, is notable for its historical significance and its picturesque landscapes, including the hospital where Hannah was born. The Catholic Church serves as a peaceful refuge for Hannah, providing a sacred space for reflection and spiritual guidance.
Themes
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Identity
Hannah embarks on a personal journey to uncover the truth about her origins, grappling with feelings of alienation and emotional neglect. This quest for identity drives her to confront her past and ultimately fosters a deeper understanding of herself and her place within her adoptive family.
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Forgiveness
The theme of forgiveness permeates the narrative as Hannah navigates complex emotions regarding her biological mother and the circumstances of her birth. The film emphasizes the healing power of understanding and reconciliation, showcasing how forgiveness can lead to personal growth and renewed relationships.
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Renewal
Hannah's journey illustrates the possibility of renewal and hope amidst trauma. By reconciling with her past and embracing her present relationships, she finds resilience and strength, symbolizing the chance for new beginnings and a brighter future.
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