A Little Help

Laura Pehlke lives a seemingly mundane suburban life as a dental hygienist. Her days are filled with routine appointments while managing household duties and her son Dennis, struggling to maintain stability in her personal life.

Tensions rise in Laura's marriage as Bob, a real estate agent, frequently comes home late from work. Their family dynamics begin to fray, hinting at deeper issues lurking beneath the surface of their relationship.

During a birthday barbecue for her niece and nephew, Laura confronts Bob about her suspicions of his infidelity. The argument escalates, culminating in a heated exchange that sees Laura storm off from the celebration.

In a desperate attempt to reconcile, Bob chases after Laura but suffers a panic attack and collapses on the road. This alarming incident prompts a doctor's examination, revealing the severity of Bob's health condition.

In the wake of Bob's collapse, Laura finds herself forced to confront her grief and the uncertainty of her future. Her overbearing sister Kathy, along with their mother, comes to help, insisting that she needs to take charge of her life.

Kathy encourages Laura to consult a lawyer regarding legal action against the doctor who treated Bob. Although initially hesitant, Laura realizes the importance of pursuing this course, setting off a series of personal revelations.

Laura discovers that Bob’s secretary was involved in a secret affair with him, shattering her trust and further complicating her emotions. This revelation deepens the rift in her marriage and forces Laura to reassess her life choices.

Meanwhile, Laura's nephew Kyle finds his passion for music, forming a garage band and performing locally. His father, Paul, supports Kyle's creativity, but Kathy views it as a distraction from his education, causing tension.

Kyle's excitement reignites when he meets the iconic rock star Dion DiMucci at a radio station. This serendipitous encounter inspires Kyle to pursue his musical aspirations more fervently, as he balances it with familial expectations.

Dennis struggles to fit in at his new school and concocts a story about his father's heroism during the September 11 attacks. Although Laura is initially shocked, she unwittingly becomes complicit in maintaining the tale.

At a friend's birthday party, Dennis is unexpectedly lauded for his fabricated story, drawing unwanted attention. An acquaintance from summer camp is present, creating a potential for the truth about Dennis's father to be revealed.

Laura has a fateful meeting with the birthday boy's mother at a gas station, where she learns vital information about her life. As the clock ticks, she races back to the party, realizing that Dennis is feeling alone and rejected.

Under a starry sky in her tranquil yard, Laura and Paul share an intimate moment. Paul confesses his long-held feelings for Laura, indicating that his marriage to Kathy has always been a misstep stemming from unreciprocated love.

Laura invites Paul to meet her privately at work. In a moment overwhelmed by emotion, they share a kiss that solidifies the recognition of their past feelings, suggesting new beginnings amidst the chaos of their lives.

As the narrative unfolds, Laura embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. She begins to reclaim her agency, forging a path toward a brighter future amid the complexities of her relationships.