3 Backyards

The movie opens with John and his wife sitting at the kitchen table in stark silence. It is 3:30 AM, and the atmosphere is thick with tension, amplified by a loud buzzing sound and eerie music that sets a haunting tone for the events to come.

Christina, John's daughter, is attempting to try on a bracelet that she shouldn’t be wearing. As she struggles to remove it, the urgency builds when her mother warns her that if she misses the school bus, no one will be available to take her.

Despite her mother's warnings, Christina ends up missing the bus. This creates a pivotal moment in her day, where instead of going to school, she finds herself distracted and lost in thoughts, wondering about her surroundings and life.

While on her way to school, Christina notices a woman putting up signs for a lost dog. This moment triggers Christina's imagination and raises questions about her own reality as she believes she sees the dog. Yet, it's not clear if it’s an illusion or truly there.

At home, Peggy, another character, is tending to her children while engaging in painting in her backyard. She enjoys a light-hearted gossip session with a neighbor which establishes a sense of community but also hints at underlying judgments among them.

The presence of a neighbor who lives in a nice house introduces a contrasting social dynamic. She appears aloof and superior, adding depth to the neighborhood relationships, especially when she requests a ride to the ferry from Peggy.

Meanwhile, John faces challenges at the airport regarding his flight. His company's use of frequent flier miles complicates matters when he must consider a non-refundable ticket on another airline, revealing strains in his personal life.

During his ordeal at the airport, John meets a black woman in a blue dress. They strike up a conversation, revealing her struggles with finding employment. This encounter highlights themes of empathy and connection amidst the backdrop of their individual challenges.

John makes a heartfelt call home to his sick daughter, Snoopy. Their interaction is filled with warmth, indicating a bond between them and providing a glimpse of hope as it's revealed that Snoopy is on the mend, lifting John's spirits during a complicated day.

As the story unfolds, both Peggy and John encounter significant moments that challenge their initial perceptions. Peggy's experience teaches her not to judge others based on first impressions, while John learns a valuable lesson about personal connections and understanding.

The film concludes with ambiguity surrounding Christina's earlier situation with the bracelet and the lost dog. Leaving the audience with questions about the day's events, echoing a common theme found in coming-of-age tales, reminiscent of young Beaver Cleaver's misadventures.