Old Fashioned 2015

In a charming college town in the Midwest, Clay Walsh (portrayed by Rik Swartzwelder) runs an antique shop, focusing on not only repairing furniture but also coming to terms with his complex past. His heart, however, is drawn to Amber, a lively young woman living above his store. She finds it intriguing that Clay refuses to enter her apartment, revealing that he’s pledged to share space only with a woman he’s married to—even though he is currently not married.

Amber is determined to break through Clay’s emotional barriers but encounters resistance due to his belief that dating is inadequate preparation for marriage. This conviction makes him steadfast in his refusal to engage romantically, much to Amber’s dismay. Her intrigue regarding Clay only intensifies, prompting her to think outside the box to spark conversation and connection.

Eventually, Clay relents and agrees to take Amber out on a date, but their encounters are anything but conventional. As they explore various peculiar settings, Amber opens up about her own tumultuous history, characterized by a series of insubstantial relationships that left her feeling exposed and drained.

At the same time, Clay’s darker history resurfaces. In his earlier college years, he was involved in producing exploitative films resembling Girls Gone Wild, an experience that fills him with profound regret. This realization led him to abandon that lifestyle, dedicating himself to antique restoration as a means of atonement.

Despite his pursuit of a more meaningful existence, Clay’s reserved nature and antiquated views on love draw criticism from others. Few understand the guilt weighing down on him or recognize the depth of his feelings of unworthiness regarding love and relationships.

Yet, Amber remains undeterred in her affection for Clay, driven by a desire to unearth the man hidden beneath his enigmatic exterior. She begins to understand that her feelings for him surpass any longing for a conventional romance, allowing her to appreciate the unique qualities that define his unconventional approach to life and love.

As the emotional gap widens between them, Clay seeks wisdom from his Great Aunt Zella, confiding his struggles to this caring elder. Her compassionate insights remind him that our past does not determine our future; instead, it’s the love we share with those around us that truly matters. Zella’s gentle guidance offers Clay solace, encouraging him to embrace life’s experiences, both joyful and painful.

With a revitalized sense of purpose, Clay resolves to reclaim what he has lost. He seeks out Amber, finally prepared to confront his feelings. As he grasps her hand, passionate words spill from him in a heartfelt proposal. But before he can complete his sentence, Amber responds enthusiastically with a resolute, “Yes.” Clay’s caution about the potential obstacles only strengthens her determination, leading her to reiterate her affirmation, “Yes.”