A Love Song for Bobby Long

Purslane 'Pursy' Hominy Will experiences the devastating loss of her mother, Lorraine, due to a drug overdose. This tragedy is compounded by the fact that Pursy was unaware of her mother’s death until after the funeral, which she missed while stuck in an abusive relationship.

Determined to escape her unhappy life in Florida, Pursy decides to return to New Orleans, the city filled with memories of her mother’s jazz performances. Her decision marks a turning point as she seeks to reclaim her past and confront the painful legacy left behind.

Upon returning to her mother’s dilapidated house, Pursy is surprised to find Bobby Long and Lawson Pines living there. The two men, both struggling with their own issues, are not aware that the house actually belongs to Pursy, who is the sole heir according to her mother's will.

In the chaotic environment of their shared living space, Pursy tries to adapt to her new reality, facing inappropriate advances from Bobby and Lawson. Despite the tension, she gradually begins to bond with them as they explore their shared connection to Lorraine.

Pursy finds comfort in her mother’s book, which she reads during a long night at a bus station. This moment of solitude prompts her to reclaim her childhood home and solidify her decision to stay in New Orleans.

As Pursy takes on the household responsibilities, tensions rise with Bobby who insists she must earn her keep. Despite their conflicts, Pursy begins to understand Bobby and Lawson more deeply, forging unexpected connections.

Bobby, facing health issues himself, encourages Pursy’s aspirations to return to school, even fabricating her academic progress to help her graduate. Lawson becomes a supportive ally, even as he navigates his feelings for Pursy.

An alarming health crisis prompts Bobby to visit the doctor, exposing his vulnerabilities. This moment shifts the dynamics in their unusual household as they confront their fears and future together.

As Pursy grows increasingly frustrated with waiting for Lawson to fully commit, she begins exploring her independence by dating other people. This marks a significant step in her self-discovery journey.

Pursy receives confirmation from her lawyer that she has clear title to Lorraine’s property. This revelation empowers her as she stands up against the men in her life and asserts her rights over the house.

While sorting through her mother's letters, Pursy uncovers a cache of unsent letters that reveal Lorraine's deep affection for her. This newfound understanding reshapes Pursy's perception of her mother and their relationship.

The letters also disclose that Bobby is Pursy's biological father, adding another layer of complexity to their living arrangement. This revelation alters the dynamic as Pursy grapples with the implications of this family connection.

In the film's conclusion, Pursy graduates and decides to keep the house, signaling her growth and embracing her heritage. Meanwhile, Bobby's storyline comes to a poignant end, leaving Lawson to wrap up his long-awaited novel.

Pursy's journey culminates in a deeper understanding of family ties that blend love and loss. As she steps forward into a new life, the bonds that were formed through shared experiences offer hope for the future.