The Hungry Ghosts 2010

Matthew, a troubled teenager from New York, is struggling with his relationship with his father, Frank (played by Steve Schirripa). Their communication has hit an all-time low, and during their attempts at therapy, Matthew grows increasingly frustrated, ultimately deciding to leave abruptly. Meanwhile, his mother Angela (portrayed by Sharon Angela) is deeply worried about Matthew’s whereabouts, while Frank is preoccupied with his radio show and his indulgences in vodka and cocaine, neglecting family matters.

As this family drama unfolds, we meet Nadia (Aunjanue Ellis), who is grappling with her own financial struggles. With rent payments overdue by a month, she reaches out to old friends in search of support, only to become further ensnared in a web of complicated relationships and unmet longings. Her situation evokes mixed reactions from those around her, leading to frustration and anger at her circumstances.

In parallel, Matthew finds himself overwhelmed by chaos, as his own challenges resemble those of Nadia. One of her acquaintances, Gus (Nick Sandow), is newly sober and looking to find solace with Lisette (Bess Rous), a woman he encounters during a meditation class. While Gus initially seems to charm Lisette, his deeper motives remain uncertain.

Amid escalating tensions, Matthew’s cries for help go unheard; his father declines to pick him up from the park, where he has been mingling with unsavory elements. Instead, it’s Matthew’s uncle Joey (Joe Caniano) who arrives, sensing something is wrong. Back home, Matthew’s demeanor grows increasingly sullen, and he chooses to keep the day’s events to himself, leaving Angela and Joey in a state of concern.

As Frank’s world deteriorates, he embarks on a solitary trip to the mountains, hoping to escape the chaos. During this journey, he encounters Nadia, who is also seeking peace. Their hike together brings Frank’s physical and emotional pain to the surface, manifesting as severe chest pains that lead Nadia to call for help. Their journey soon shifts from a train ride to a hospital, where doctors work to stabilize Frank. Throughout this ordeal, Nadia remains by his side, encouraging him to join a meditation class to find some inner calm. Little do they know that Lisette will also be present, marking a significant twist in their intertwined destinies.

During this meditation class, Frank begins to find solace through guided breathing exercises, a brief respite from the chaos. However, their moment of tranquility is disrupted by Gus, who stumbles in after taking an overdose of pills. His unexpected entrance serves as a stark reminder of the turmoil that often lies underneath the surface. As the atmosphere shifts, Nadia grows anxious, while Gus unexpectedly settles beside her, seemingly at peace, with a serene smile on his face, highlighting the complexities of these intertwined lives.