Beautiful Girls 1996

Willie Conway, portrayed by Timothy Hutton, is wrapping up his final performance at a bar in New York City. After gathering his tips from the piano, he steps out into the chilly winter night to catch a Greyhound bus headed back for his high school reunion in his hometown. Upon his return, he’s greeted by his old friends, who, unlike him, seem stuck in a time loop. Tommy “Birdman” Rowland, played by Matt Dillon, and Paul Kirkwood are running a snow-plowing business, grappling with their own personal issues. Birdman, once the star quarterback, finds himself in a complicated affair with his high school sweetheart, Darian Smalls, while Paul grapples with jealousy as he watches his ex, Jan, move on with a new partner.

Michael “Mo” Morris stands in stark contrast to his friends; he has settled down, married with two kids, and seemingly content with his life. He picks Willie up from the bus station, reminding him of their modest beginnings, the lonely home left behind after their mother’s passing, and the trouble with Willie’s younger brother, Bobby. It’s during this time that Willie encounters his young neighbor, Marty, who’s charmingly building a snowman.

As the reunion unfolds, Willie reconnects with his pals, but he’s also caught in a web of youthful emotions and friendships. The following day, after more banter with Marty over shoveling snow, an unexpected romance begins to bloom. Nevertheless, Paul’s ill-timed proposal to Jan ends in heartbreak, while the group finds solace at a bar where they reminisce and, with a round of drinks, break into a nostalgic rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”

Yet, amidst the reunion’s highs and lows, plot twists arise. Willie discovers himself growing jealous when he sees Marty with a boyfriend, while Tommy, pressured by past relationships, faces a bitter confrontation during the reunion. After his altercation with Darian’s husband, the reality of their situations comes crashing down as friendships are tested and old wounds reopened.

As things spiral, Willie finds himself torn between lingering feelings for Marty and rekindling a romance with Tracy, who suddenly appears back in town. The friends’ reunion culminates in a mix of poignant goodbyes, realizations about growing up, and the bittersweet understanding that while they may move forward in life, some things will always remain—like the seasons changing in their small town.

Willie decides to leave for New York with Tracy, yet bids a final farewell to Marty. As they drive away, his friends remind him that no matter the distance, true friendships will persevere. The farewell becomes a bittersweet echo of nostalgia, wrapped in the timeless warmth of their high school memories, as they ride off into the sunset, one last time reminded of the enduring charm of their youth.