Endings, Beginnings 2020

As Daphne (in her 30s) grapples with the fallout from her recent breakup with Adrian, she seeks refuge in her sister Billie’s poolhouse, making the bold choice to abandon her job as well. This drastic decision is catalyzed by a friend’s suggestion to embark on a six-month hiatus from both alcohol and men, aiming to reclaim the four years she felt lost during her tumultuous relationship with Adrian.

During a Christmas visit to her mother Sue, the strain in her family relationships is starkly revealed. Sue, involved in a European romance with Karl, appears indifferent to her daughters’ lives and shows little empathy towards Daphne’s heartbreak, even presenting her with the very wedding ring she once wore as Adrian’s partner.

At a New Year’s gathering hosted by Billie, Daphne meets two pivotal figures: Frank, a free-spirited thrill-seeker whose charm is as intoxicating as it is unpredictable, and Jack, a sober, introspective academic whose thoughtful demeanor contrasts sharply with Frank’s wild energy.

As Daphne and Jack engage in deep, meaningful discussions, she feels drawn to his analytical outlook on life. However, Frank’s jealousy over Jack’s interest in Daphne sparks a rivalry. Their eventual meeting leaves Daphne breathless; a passionate one-night encounter leads to a flurry of text messages exchanged with Jack.

In the days that follow, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, torn between two distinct worlds. With Jack, she experiences an idyllic domestic life, sharing cozy movie nights and engaging in profound conversations, while her connection with Frank persists, characterized by a magnetic allure that encourages her to explore different facets of herself.

Just as Daphne begins to settle into this new rhythm, a surprise visit from Frank disrupts her peace. He appears suddenly, claiming he must leave but returning moments later, reigniting their chemistry as if fate is determined to keep them entangled. Their relationship takes an adventurous turn as they attend a house party, exposing Daphne to social circles she’s unfamiliar with, which heightens her insecurities and reputation among acquaintances at her sister’s baby shower.

After a spirited night with Jack, her past unexpectedly resurfaces when she runs into an old acquaintance named Jed. Mysteriously, their night together stirs up emotions that lead to unforeseen consequences. Weeks later, Daphne’s life changes dramatically as she experiences morning sickness. A home pregnancy test confirms her suspicions, leading her to a gynecologist for confirmation.

When Jack learns about the pregnancy, his initial excitement is overshadowed by confusion and hurt when Daphne reveals that there is a possibility the child might belong to Frank. Struggling with betrayal, he asks her to leave, sending Daphne into an emotional whirlwind.

At her parents’ wedding reception, tensions rise as Sue confronts her own past choices, recounting her journey of jumping between relationships in hopes of providing stability for her daughters.

Daphne finds the strength to expose her ex-boss Jeb’s inappropriate behavior to human resources, marking a significant step in her journey towards independence. With her pregnancy visible at five and a half months, she unexpectedly runs into Frank while out shopping, leading to a heartfelt conversation about his desire to be involved in their child’s life.

Though initially surprised, Daphne agrees to meet him. In a twist of fate, she reconciles with her mother, restoring harmony in their relationship. As encouragement arrives from Adrian, Daphne embarks on the challenging yet exciting path of motherhood, ready to navigate the uncertainties ahead.