Little Men 2016

After his elderly father dies, Brian Jardine moves his Kathy Jardine and 13-year-old Jake Jardine into a Brooklyn apartment they have inherited. The two-story building houses a ground-floor dress shop run by Leonor Calvelli and her 13-year-old son Tony Calvelli. Jake and Tony become fast friends despite a stark contrast in temperament: Jake is quiet and introspective, often sketching or painting in his spare moments, while Tony is talkative, outgoing, and full of schemes. Tony is an aspiring actor who attends regular classes at Brooklyn’s Acting Out! school and dreams of attending LaGuardia High School to study performing arts. Jake decides he wants to attend the same school, but to pursue painting. The boys bond through ordinary Brooklyn adventures—skating around the borough, going to a teen rave, and sometimes giving their parents the silent treatment when they disagree. Tony even defends Jake when classmates insult his sexuality, sparking a physical confrontation in defense of his friend.

The Jardines soon uncover that Brian’s father kept Leonor’s rent unusually low. With Brian’s acting career stagnant and the family relying mainly on Kathy’s work as a psychotherapist, they inform Leonor that her rent will be tripled, though still below the market rate for a changing neighborhood. Leonor makes emotional appeals, reminding Brian of his father’s friendship and suggesting that he would want him to be generous. Brian is reluctant to pursue legal action against Leonor, partly because he is glad his introverted son has found a friend. After receiving an ultimatum from his sister Audrey Jardine, he ultimately evicts Leonor and her son.

Devastated, Jake pleads Tony’s case but must accept the reality of the situation. Some time later, Jake Jardine joins a group of fellow art students on a museum visit and discovers Tony and his classmates on a tour. He watches from across a vast atrium as Tony walks away, then quietly returns to his own group to continue sketching.