Aurora Borealis 2006

In the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Duncan grapples with the profound loss of his father, which still lingers ten years after his passing. His grandparents, Ronald and Ruth, now call an apartment with a stunning view of the sky home, where Ron often claims to have seen the mystical Northern Lights illuminating the horizon. However, his observations are increasingly clouded by the brutal onset of Alzheimer’s disease, which is steadily eroding his cognitive abilities. Amid this turmoil, Kate, their dedicated caregiver, plays a crucial role in maintaining their day-to-day stability.

Duncan finds solace in his grandparents’ company and takes on a job as a handyman in the building where they live. Here, fate intervenes as he meets Kate. Their connection is immediate and electric, sparking a blossoming romance, all while the situation surrounding Ron grows more dire. As Duncan ventures deeper into his emotional struggles, he navigates the weight of supporting his grandfather through the darkest valleys of his illness.

Despite the tantalizing prospects of life beyond the familiar streets of Minneapolis, Duncan is held captive by the shadows of his past, weighed down by the sorrow of his father’s absence. Ron, sensing Duncan’s stagnation, pushes him toward embracing life, urging him to overcome his fears and heartache. Kate, too, encourages Duncan to grasp opportunities and to release the ghosts that linger from his youth.

The fragile balance is disrupted when Kate reveals her plans to move to San Diego, leaving Duncan in a state of turmoil. Wrestling with the reality of her departure, he remains steadfast in his hometown. As Ron’s despair escalates, he implores Duncan to secure shells for his shotgun, a sign of his desperation amidst the consuming agony of his illness. In a heart-wrenching moment, Duncan prepares the weapon, yet he finds himself unable to pull the trigger.

Tragedy strikes as Ron’s heart ultimately fails, succumbing to his relentless condition. With Kate now headed to San Diego, Duncan must confront his emotions and say his goodbyes. However, in a surprising twist, he shows up at Kate’s doorstep, embodying a renewed determination to embrace a fresh start, transcending the past that once held him captive.