The Good House 2022

Drama

Comedy

Box Office

$2.3M

Runtime

104 min

Language

English

Directed by

Maya Forbes

Made by

Universal Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Good House (2022). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In this poignant drama directed by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky, Sigourney Weaver stars as Hildy, a realtor whose quest for a “good year” reveals much more than just professional aspirations. As Hildy navigates the turbulent waters of her life, she is a vibrant figure in her affluent New England town, but her chaotic lifestyle, fueled by alcohol, is a source of concern for her family and friends.

Hildy is a colorful character, both charming and self-sabotaging, as her past traumas and insecurities threaten to overshadow her charm. In this touching narrative adapted from Ann Leary’s novel, her family attempts an intervention, but the outcome is predictably tumultuous. Hildy’s struggles are laid bare, showcasing a woman grappling with her identity in a community where her family has been rooted for nearly 300 years.

Enter Frank (played by Kevin Kline), Hildy’s old flame, whose rugged demeanor and hard-earned success make him a compelling presence. He seems to be the only one who can truly see and understand Hildy. Their paths cross again, offering a glimmer of hope for rekindled romance and personal redemption.

The performances, particularly that of Sigourney Weaver, are mesmerizing as she captures Hildy’s duality—the regal woman she portrays and the underlying turmoil that drives her actions. This film is a beautifully crafted exploration of love, loss, and the fragile balance between self-destruction and renewal, reminding us that sometimes, a second chance can lead to profound discoveries about ourselves and those we once held dear.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Good House (2022) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Hildy's Ambitious Journey

Hildy, a realtor in an affluent New England town, embarks on a quest for a 'good year' in her professional life. This ambition serves as the catalyst for her to confront deeper issues within her personal life, highlighting her struggle for identity amidst her chaotic lifestyle.

New England town

Struggles with Alcohol

Hildy's lifestyle, heavily influenced by alcohol, raises concerns among her family and friends. This chaotic behavior leads to turbulent relationships, putting a strain on her connections with those who care about her.

Family Intervention Attempt

In an effort to help Hildy confront her addiction, her family attempts an intervention. The plan, however, quickly spirals into chaos, showcasing the predictably tumultuous outcome of confronting deep-seated issues.

Confronting Past Traumas

As Hildy navigates her current chaos, her past trauma and insecurities resurface, threatening to overshadow her vibrant charm. The film poignantly reveals how these unresolved issues affect her pursuit of a 'good year.'

Frank's Reappearance

Frank, Hildy’s old flame, enters her life again, hoping to reconnect. His rugged demeanor and understanding nature provide a stark contrast to the whirlwind of Hildy's life, presenting a potential for healing.

Glimmer of Hope

Hildy and Frank's paths cross once more, sparking a potential rekindling of their romance. This encounter offers Hildy a glimmer of hope for personal redemption amidst her struggles.

Mirror of Duality

Through Hildy, the film explores the duality of her character, illustrating the regal woman she appears to be and the internal turmoil she hides. This complexity enriches the narrative as viewers witness her journey.

The Fragile Balance

The storyline delves into the fragile balance between self-destruction and personal renewal for Hildy. The pressures of her affluent community exacerbate her struggles, leading to moments of reflection and discovery.

Moments of Clarity

As the film progresses, Hildy begins to confront her chaotic decisions and their repercussions. These moments of clarity serve as a pivotal point in her path towards self-discovery.

Learning from Loss

Hildy's journey also involves grappling with loss, both in her personal life and within her community. Such experiences push her to reassess her values and relationships, leading to critical self-reflection.

Rediscovering Relationships

With Frank by her side, Hildy begins to reevaluate her relationships with family and friends. This rediscovery is crucial for her healing process as she strives to mend the connections frayed by her past.

The Turning Point

A significant event acts as a turning point in Hildy’s life, forcing her to confront the reality of her chaotic existence. This moment propels her towards seeking a healthier, more fulfilled life.

Pursuit of Second Chances

Hildy actively seeks second chances, not only in her career but also in her personal relationships. This determination symbolizes a shift in her character as she begins to embrace the possibility of renewal.

A New Beginning

The film culminates in Hildy's acceptance of her past while embracing new beginnings. This closure marks a significant step in her journey towards healing, showcasing the hope that can emerge from adversity.

Community Reflection

Hildy’s transformation is not only personal but also resonates within her community. The film highlights how her changes impact those around her, reinforcing the importance of support and understanding.

New England town

Characters

Explore all characters from The Good House (2022). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Hildy Good (Sigourney Weaver)

Hildy is a vibrant yet chaotic realtor whose life is marred by her struggles with alcohol and past traumas. She is a charming, complex character who oscillates between being relatable and self-destructive. Her journey of self-discovery amidst family concerns and an old flame re-entering her life captures the essence of resilience and vulnerability.

💁‍♀️ Protagonist 🌊 Complexity

Frank Getchell (Kevin Kline)

Frank is Hildy's old flame, bringing a rugged charm and a sense of understanding to her tumultuous life. His character serves as a grounding force, representing hope and the possibility of rekindled romance. Frank's presence in the story emphasizes the importance of connection and the potential for redemption through meaningful relationships.

❤️ Love Interest 🔄 Redemption

Setting

Learn where and when The Good House (2022) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The movie does not specify a distinct historical period but explores contemporary themes of personal struggle and family dynamics. It reflects modern issues such as addiction, identity crises, and the impact of past trauma on present relationships. This timeless narrative resonates with audiences as it delves into the complexities of human emotions in today's world.

Location

New England

New England is a picturesque region in the northeastern United States, known for its charming towns and colonial history. The area is characterized by affluent communities where families have deep-rooted ties, often spanning generations. In this film, New England serves as the backdrop for Hildy's struggles and aspirations, reflecting both the beauty and the weight of family legacy.

🏡 Location 🌳 Community

Themes

Discover the main themes in The Good House (2022). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Redemption

The theme of redemption is central to Hildy's journey as she navigates her chaotic lifestyle and attempts to reclaim her identity. Her encounter with Frank serves as a catalyst for change, highlighting the potential for personal growth and healing. The film underscores the notion that facing one's past and seeking a second chance is a path toward discovering true self-worth.

🍷

Addiction

Hildy's struggle with alcohol addiction is a poignant element of the narrative, showcasing the impact of substance abuse on relationships and personal well-being. This theme explores how addiction can cloud judgment and hinder genuine connections with others. It serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by individuals trying to break free from their harmful habits.

🏡

Family

Family plays a crucial role in Hildy's life, both as a source of support and conflict. The film examines the complexities of familial relationships, especially during times of crisis. It highlights how love can be intertwined with concern and intervention, illustrating the lengths to which loved ones will go to help one another, even when those attempts are tumultuous.

The Good House Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of The Good House (2022) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.

Hildy’s journey reaches a heartbreaking climax when her struggles with alcoholism and mental health come to a head. After a series of chaotic events, she has a hallucination where she sees Peter, the psychiatrist, who has recently committed suicide. She believes she is responsible, feeling overwhelmed by guilt and fear. This hallucination pushes her to a breaking point, leading her to a mental breakdown and finally admitting to herself that she cannot continue to hide her pain or rely on alcohol to cope. Her confrontation with her daughter underscores her denial and avoidance, but ultimately, she begins to accept her vulnerabilities and the need for help. The tragic revelation that Peter, the man she believed was still present, has actually died by his own hand shocks her into a realization of her fragile mental state. This moment of clarity sparks her decision to seek genuine help, leading her to commit to recovery and sobriety for herself and her family. Throughout the film, her love for Frank becomes a vital source of hope, and his unwavering support convinces her that she can face her issues and rebuild her life. The ending, although somewhat rushed and lacking emotional depth, leaves her on the path toward healing and redemption, emphasizing that acknowledging one’s flaws and seeking help is a crucial step in overcoming personal struggles. Instead of being just a story of downfall, it hints at the possibility of renewal, with Hildy finally taking responsibility for her recovery, inspired partly by the support of the people she loves. Frank’s reassurance and her own acceptance mark her final step towards a healthier, sober life.

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