An Early Frost

Michael, a successful lawyer, suffers a severe coughing jag at work and is rushed to the hospital. There he learns from a doctor that he has been exposed to HIV. The diagnosis marks the start of a personal and professional crisis. He must confront the fear and stigma surrounding the disease.

At home, Peter confesses that he had sex outside the relationship because Michael is a workaholic and living in the closet. In a surge of anger, Michael throws Peter out of the house. This confrontation accelerates Michael's decision to tell his parents he is gay and has AIDS.

Michael travels to his parents' house to inform them he is gay and has AIDS. The revelation exposes a fault line in the family as they struggle to process the news. His father reacts with anger, while his mother tries to cope.

Nick, a lumber company owner, reacts with anger when he learns Michael is HIV positive and gay. He refuses to speak to Michael for a day, creating painful distance in the family. The moment signals the start of a difficult family reckoning.

Kate, a former concert pianist, attempts to adapt and support Michael. She recalls a magazine article stating HIV is not transmitted through casual contact and shares it with the family, helping ease some fears. She also tapes a public service announcement about HIV transmission.

Susan, who is pregnant, refuses to see Michael, saying she can't take that chance. Her attitude highlights the fear and stigma surrounding HIV within the family. The decision strains relationships further as everyone grapples with the illness.

Michael eventually winds up in the hospital after paramedics at his parents' house refuse to transport him. There he meets Victor, a flamboyant homosexual with AIDS. The encounter introduces another patient perspective and foreshadows Victor's fate.

In the hospital, Victor's death underscores the stigma surrounding AIDS. The nurse disposes of Victor's few possessions in a garbage bag out of fear of contamination. The episode leaves Michael sobered and more aware of his own vulnerability.

Back at home, Michael discovers Peter has come to visit and they reconcile. Peter asks Michael to go back with him, but Michael declines. This moment marks a tentative step toward acceptance while also signaling unresolved paths.

Michael, struggling with his diagnosis, attempts suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, but is stopped by Nick. The two argue, and Nick insists that Michael keep fighting. The confrontation reinforces the family's obligation to face the illness and move forward.

Michael takes a taxi to the airport to fly back to Chicago, telling his parents that he loves them before he goes. The film closes on a note of unresolved pain but a commitment to move forward.