Shoot the Moon 1982

The Dunlap Family at Home

In the sun-drenched valleys of Marin County, writer George Dunlap and his wife Faith create a loving home filled with their four daughters: Sherry, Jill, Marianne, and Molly. Their meticulously restored farmhouse serves as a nurturing environment, but underlying tensions are about to surface.

George's Secret Call

As George prepares to attend an awards banquet, he receives a secretive call from Sandy, a single mother with whom he is having an affair. Unbeknownst to him, their eldest daughter Sherry overhears the conversation, setting off a chain of emotional turmoil within the family.

Faith's Growing Suspicions

Faith's suspicions about George's fidelity deepen after Sherry reveals what she heard. Despite George's attempts to reassure her, the tension escalates, leading George to decide to leave the family home for a while to find solace at his beachside retreat.

Weekend Visits and Complications

Although the girls visit George during weekends, their encounters with Sandy become increasingly strained. Sandy feels threatened by the presence of the children, who serve as a constant reminder of George's existing responsibilities.

Faith Finds Companionship

In the midst of her despair over the crumbling marriage, Faith begins to find companionship in Frank Henderson, the contractor working on the tennis court in their backyard. This relationship complicates her feelings toward George, intensifying the emotional stakes.

George's Desperate Attempts

George struggles with the separation and tries to return home to give Sherry her birthday gift, a typewriter. When Faith denies him access, his frustration culminates in a violent outburst as he breaks down the door, asserting his need to see his children.

Confrontation with Sherry

During a heated moment, George confronts Sherry, leading to a physical altercation that frightens the girls. In a desperate attempt to assert herself, Sherry threatens George with scissors, prompting Molly to intervene and restore a fragile sense of safety.

Court Battle and Family Struggles

As the divorce unfolds, George and Faith clash fiercely over joint custody of their daughters in court. The emotional strain becomes palpable as neither party fully recognizes the depth of their marital issues when Faith receives news about her ailing father.

The Father's Funeral

Following Faith's father's passing, the family must navigate their grief while confronting the aftermath of their choices. The funeral serves as a grim backdrop for their ongoing struggles, highlighting unresolved feelings between George and Faith.

Heated Exchange at the Restaurant

After the funeral, George and Faith meet at a restaurant, leading to a highly charged conversation filled with longings and resentments. Their dialogue escalates into a passionate encounter at the hotel where Faith and the girls are staying, revealing their complex emotions.

Tennis Court Celebration

As the tennis court construction nears completion, Faith and Frank host an outdoor gathering. However, Sherry, troubled by her family's developments, opts to leave in search of comfort, reflecting her turmoil amid the celebratory atmosphere.

Sherry's Discovery

Sherry seeks refuge at George's beach house, where she unexpectedly finds him enjoying a game with Sandy and her son. This moment leads to a heartfelt reconciliation between George and Sherry, who gifts her the long-desired typewriter, rekindling their bond.

George's Rage Unleashed

During Faith's tennis court celebration, George's facade collapses as he feigns friendship with Frank. In a moment of sudden fury, he destroys Frank's completed tennis court, sparking a violent confrontation between the two men.