Labor Day 2013

In 1987, we encounter Adele Wheeler (Kate Winslet), a troubled single mother living in a quaint, rural home with her 13-year-old son, Henry (Gattlin Griffith). Their mundane clothes shopping takes a dramatic turn when a bloody stranger, later identified as Frank Chambers (Josh Brolin), unexpectedly approaches Henry, compelling them to take him back to their home for help.

As the narrative unfolds through poignant flashbacks, we learn that Frank is a Vietnam veteran with a haunting past. After returning home, he married his pregnant girlfriend, Mandy (Maika Monroe). However, a violent disagreement leads to devastating consequences—Frank’s tragic actions during a heated argument result in Mandy’s untimely demise. The circumstances surrounding the loss of their child are also shrouded in mystery, suggesting the baby may have drowned during this tumultuous period. Frank is subsequently jailed for murder.

Meanwhile, Adele confesses to Frank about her painful history of pregnancy losses, including several miscarriages and the heart-wrenching stillbirth of a baby girl. These experiences have left Adele grappling with severe psychological issues, including profound social anxiety and depression—a struggle that eventually led Henry’s father to abandon them. Despite his best efforts to support Adele, Henry realizes he cannot fulfill all her needs.

Adele, a spirited individual with a love for dance, introduces both Frank and Henry to her passion by teaching them how to dance. In return, Frank imparts valuable life skills to Henry, such as car repairs and baseball, while also sharing his culinary talents by teaching the family how to bake a delightful peach pie. Amidst these nurturing activities, Adele and Frank’s bond deepens, leading them to dream about escaping to Canada with Henry. They eagerly embark on packing their belongings and cleaning the house as Labor Day approaches.

However, Henry’s budding friendship with a cunning girl named Eleanor (Brighid Fleming) complicates matters. She manipulates him, planting seeds of doubt about Adele and Frank’s intentions, and inadvertently, he reveals Frank’s criminal background. Despite this turmoil, Adele assures Henry of her unwavering love, promising she would never abandon him.

On the day of their planned departure, Henry leaves a note for his father, which unwittingly sets off a series of unfortunate events. While on his way home, he encounters a policeman (James Van Der Beek), who offers him a ride, his suspicion aroused by the sight of their packed car and almost-empty home. In a parallel plot, Adele’s attempt to withdraw her savings raises eyebrows at the bank, contributing to the growing tension.

Just as they are about to leave, chaos erupts. Henry’s father discovers the note and contacts the house, igniting a sequence of police sirens that herald their impending capture. In a desperate bid to protect his new family, Frank ties up both Henry and Adele before he surrenders to the authorities. The identity of the person who reported them remains a mystery, leaving the air thick with tension as Frank is arrested.

Years later, we find an older Henry ([Tobey Maguire]), now the owner of a pie shop, receiving an unexpected call from Frank, who is about to be released from prison. Arranging a meeting with Adele, Frank re-enters her life as both of them navigate their autumn years together, rekindling their love. In a tender resolution, Henry finds solace in the knowledge that his mother will no longer be alone.