The Last Rites of Joe May 2011

Joe's Return

After a lengthy hospital stay due to pneumonia, Joe May emerges into his Chicago neighborhood. The sight of familiar streets only serves to remind him of how much has changed in his absence.

The Bartender's Shock

Upon entering a local tavern, Joe is greeted with disbelief from the bartender, who exclaims, 'I thought you were dead.' This moment underlines the impact of Joe's absence on the community and his own sense of lost time.

Lost Home

Joe discovers that his former landlord has rented out his apartment to a single mother named Jenny and her daughter, Angelina. This revelation leaves Joe without a place to call home, compounding his feelings of isolation.

Braving the Cold

With nowhere to stay, Joe faces the harsh Chicago night, dressed only in a thin leather jacket. He leans against a wall, exposed to the elements, reflecting on the stark contrast between his past and present.

Finding Comfort

In his vulnerable state, Joe finds unexpected solace in the company of Jenny and Angelina. Their warmth and smiles offer him a glimpse of hope in an otherwise desolate situation.

Reaching Out to Billy

Joe decides to reach out to Billy, an old friend residing in an assisted-living facility. This connection is an attempt for Joe to reclaim some stability in his life, though it leads him deeper into the complexities surrounding Jenny and her daughter.

Tension with Buczkowski

Joe becomes entangled in Jenny's life, particularly concerning her abusive boyfriend, Buczkowski. This growing tension adds another layer of struggle as Joe navigates his own difficult circumstances.

Turning to Lenny

Desperate for financial help, Joe turns to Lenny, a local crime lord. The decision reflects Joe's growing desperation and the lengths to which he is willing to go to find stability.

The Stolen Meat Plan

Joe's poorly conceived scheme to sell stolen meat sets off a chaotic chain of events. The plan's failure further exacerbates Joe's already precarious health and financial situation.

Health Decline

Throughout these challenges, Joe's health continues to decline from his pneumonia. He finds himself at a crossroads, filled with uncertainty and fear for his future.

Confrontation with Buczkowski

The situation escalates when Buczkowski's violent tendencies emerge once again. Joe, tapping into his remaining courage, decides to intervene, risking his own safety for Jenny and her daughter.

Dire Consequences

Joe's intervention against Buczkowski leads to unforeseen consequences that threaten to alter the fragile balance of his life. It emphasizes the stakes he faces and the difficult decisions he must make.

A New Chapter

As Joe navigates the fallout from his confrontation with Buczkowski, he begins to realize that this chapter of his life might redefine him. The bonds he has formed with Jenny and Angelina force him to confront his own identity.

Reflecting on Loss

Joe reflects on his past choices and the losses that have led him to this moment. He contemplates what it means to truly live and to protect those who have come to matter to him.