Things We Lost in the Fire 2007

Audrey Burke, played by Halle Berry, and her caring husband Brian have built a loving family over the past eleven years, raising their daughter Harper and son Dory. However, their lives take a heartbreaking turn with the re-emergence of Jerry Sunborne, a heroin addict portrayed by Benicio Del Toro and a long-time friend of Brian’s. Brian is devoted to helping Jerry, despite Audrey’s suspicions about Jerry’s influence on him and her frequent disapproval of his presence.

Tragedy strikes when Brian loses his life while heroically defending a woman from domestic abuse, leaving Audrey to grapple with her grief alone. On the day of the funeral, she realizes she never informed Jerry about Brian’s death, prompting her brother Neal to reach out to him. During the service, Audrey reflects on her previous disdain for Jerry but acknowledges that Brian always saw the best in him.

As life continues, Audrey finds herself overwhelmed and frustrated by her new reality. When she discovers money in her car that she previously accused Jerry of stealing, her perspective begins to shift. Showing compassion, she invites Jerry to stay in a room near their garage, where he tries to rebuild his life after working at a methadone clinic as a janitor.

Jerry’s presence brings both comfort and complexity to Audrey’s life. He forms a special bond with her children, particularly with Harper, as they share a vegetarian lifestyle. The relationship between Audrey and Jerry deepens, with moments of tenderness as they support each other through their respective struggles. Yet, Audrey’s grief and anger sometimes cloud their connection, especially when Jerry helps Dory with a fear related to the pool, something Brian had attempted to do years before.

Conflict arises when Audrey confronts Jerry about his influence on Harper, who has been skipping school. This situation escalates until Jerry’s relapse leads him back to heroin, stemming from his desire to escape the emotional turmoil. With the help of Neal, Audrey tries to guide Jerry toward recovery, even introducing him to Kelly, a woman from Jerry’s recovery group who harbors feelings for him.

As they navigate their intertwined lives, Audrey shares cherished memories about Brian with her family, illustrating the enduring love that binds them. In the end, while Jerry’s road to recovery is fraught with challenges, he continues to leave a mark on Audrey and her children. He writes a heartfelt note to Harper, easing her sadness about his departure and reminding them all to “Accept the good.” This poignant phrase echoes the lessons he learned from both Brian and Audrey, underscoring the threads of love and hope that persist even in the face of loss.