Balance, Not Symmetry

Caitlin attends her father's funeral and her mother Mary delivers a graveside speech. The family grief anchors the story and compels Caitlin to return to Glasgow to continue her studies at the Glasgow School of Art. This moment sets Caitlin on a path of artistic and emotional reevaluation.

Still grieving, Caitlin is supported by her best friend Hannah. They venture into the city, chase a graffiti artist through the streets, and end up at a party. The night rekindles Caitlin's social energy and underscores the strength of their friendship.

In a seminar on abstract expressionism, Fiona notes how women have been overlooked in art history. Caitlin meets Rory, who invites her on a date to a museum, and they discuss art and the idea that art should be part of daily life rather than merely decorative. The encounter pushes Caitlin to think about her future project.

Caitlin begins a huge canvas for her end-of-year presentation, hoping to channel her grief into something expansive. In a moment of frustration, she scars the canvas with paint. Mary, likewise grieving Leonard's loss, trashes her own piece, echoing the household's upheaval.

Caitlin receives a text and rushes home to find Mary passed out drunk. Caitlin consoles her mother and tries to stay present, while Mary reassures her that the drinking won't derail her recovery. The moment deepens Caitlin's sense of responsibility and care for her family.

The next day Caitlin returns to her painting as Hannah and Stacey plan social outings. That night, Caitlin dances with Rory while Hannah connects with Stacey, and both couples end up back at Caitlin and Hannah's house. Rory is too drunk for anything to progress, underscoring the complicated boundaries of youth and romance.

The following morning Caitlin and Hannah have a vicious kitchen row that spirals into personal resentments. Caitlin retreats to paint, while Hannah creates a mosaic of apology notes and leaves a conciliatory message for Caitlin. The moment tests their friendship but also foreshadows reconciliation.

Hannah arrives to apologize, and Caitlin forgives her. Caitlin tells Rory she wants to do her own thing for a while, signaling a shift toward independent work. Mary watches quietly, offering support as Caitlin navigates her evolving artistic path.

For the final class, renowned artist Catherine Hendricks visits and discusses how a troubled life can intersect with celebrated art. Catherine reviews Caitlin's presentation with Fiona and invites her to be an assistant on a London project, expanding Caitlin's horizon beyond Glasgow.

Catherine extends an invitation to Caitlin—and implicitly Hannah—to join a project in London. Caitlin accepts, acknowledging that her best work comes with Hannah, who is invited to come along as well. The opportunity marks a new, larger stage for their collaborative art.

Caitlin visits her father's grave and tells him she is leaving for London, feeling that things are finally falling into place. Hannah joins her at the grave, and together they walk toward the car, stepping into a future filled with possibility.