Where Hope Grows 2015

Professional baseball player Calvin Campbell finds himself at a crossroads after a disappointing stint with the Detroit Tigers, prompting him to return to his roots in Louisville, Kentucky. Struggling with personal demons, he spirals into a pit of self-loathing and alcohol, allowing years to slip by while neglecting his 16-year-old daughter, Katie. In her search for connection, Katie seeks solace in unhealthy relationships, burdening Calvin with guilt over his failures as a father.

One fateful day at the supermarket, Calvin meets Produce, a cheerful and spirited young man with Down syndrome, who works in the produce section. His remarkable ability to create genuine connections with customers shines through, particularly when he encounters Calvin. Produce’s uplifting spirit and unwavering enthusiasm pull Calvin from his dark depression, turning the produce aisle into a refuge where he finds community and a glimmer of hope.

As Calvin’s life continues to unravel, he begins to appreciate the transformative effect Produce has on those around them. The young man’s relentless positivity becomes a source of inspiration for Calvin, encouraging him to reassess his life choices. Despite the bright persona he shows to the world, Produce grapples with his own challenges, including a longing to be recognized as Employee of the Month, which leaves him vulnerable to bullying. Just when it seems Calvin might give in to despair, Produce teaches him that maintaining faith amidst disappointment can lead to a path of recovery.

Yet, a confrontation with Milton drives Calvin back into the comforting embrace of his bottle. When Produce discovers him incapacitated, he takes the initiative to prevent Calvin from missing a critical job interview with the only Minor League Baseball team willing to give him a chance. Hitting rock bottom, Calvin faces the consequences of his actions as Katie finally reaches her limit with his destructive behavior.

Determined to mend their fractured relationship, Calvin seeks forgiveness from Produce the following day, embarking on a journey of personal redemption by vowing to quit drinking and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Meanwhile, Katie deals with the emotional fallout of her breakup with Colt, who had pressured her into an uncomfortable position. When Produce finds her cold and alone at the supermarket, he generously offers his jacket to comfort her. When Colt attempts to reconcile, Calvin steps in firmly, establishing a protective barrier around his daughter. In a gesture of gratitude towards Produce, Calvin agrees to accompany them to church.

As fate would have it, Katie and Produce cross paths again at a laser tag arena, where uncontrollable circumstances lead to a confrontation with Colt. As tensions heighten, Produce bravely intervenes, using a fire extinguisher to protect Katie from Colt’s advances. However, Calvin arrives too late to understand the full context and expresses anger toward Produce’s actions, leading to a hasty departure.

Tragedy strikes that same night when Milton, intoxicated and hurt by revelations of his wife’s infidelity, causes a devastating car accident with Produce. The hospital becomes a place of anguish as Calvin learns that Produce and Milton are both in critical condition. Amidst the chaos, Produce finds peace in offering his Bible to Milton, a powerful act of compassion before they both face surgery.

In a poignant shift to the future, we see Calvin step into the role of manager for the minor league baseball team, with Produce proudly serving as bat boy. The film culminates in an emotional moment as Calvin dedicates his ceremonial first pitch to Milton’s memory, honoring the complex and tumultuous journey that has brought them all to this moment of healing and reflection.