Collateral Beauty

Howard Inlet, a once-prominent advertising executive, fully embodied ambition and dedication in his career. His drive allowed him to thrive in a high-stakes environment until tragedy struck, changing his life forever.

After the heartbreaking loss of his young daughter, Howard fell into a deep sadness that clouded his daily life. He became increasingly isolated, retreating into elaborate domino constructions that symbolized life's fragility and his emotional turmoil.

Worried for Howard's mental state and the future of their advertising agency, his friends Whit, Claire, and Simon took notice of his unpredictable behavior. They realized that his struggles were costing the company key clients, leading to a financial crisis.

To regain control of the agency, the trio decided to hire private investigator Sally Price. This investigation aimed to gather evidence that Howard was unfit to lead, focusing on his mysterious letters to abstract entities like Love, Time, and Death.

To execute their plan, Whit, Claire, and Simon enlisted three struggling actors to embody the concepts of Love, Time, and Death. Their strategy relied on drawing out Howard's innermost thoughts, which could potentially discredit him further.

While attending a grief support group, Howard met Madeleine, who had also faced a devastating loss. Their shared experiences allowed Howard to explore the idea of collateral beauty and how to navigate life after tragedy.

As the scheme unfolded, Amy, one of the actors, began to feel overwhelming guilt for manipulating Howard. This guilt drove her to confront Whit about the emotional toll of their plan and re-evaluate her role in their scheme.

During another interaction with the embodiments of Love, Time, and Death, Howard confronted his feelings of anger and despair. Love reminded him of the significance of his daughter's life, prompting a transformative moment of realization.

Howard faced the board of directors, where footage of his emotional journey was presented. This moment helped him understand the impact of his mental health on the agency and led him to appreciate the support of his friends.

In the aftermath of these events, Simon confided in his wife about his health issues. This act of openness reflected growth as he realized the importance of sharing his burdens with loved ones.

Claire met with Raffi, who provided her with encouragement and optimism about her aspiration to become a mother. Their conversation underscored the importance of connection and the resolve to face the challenges of time together.

Whit made a concerted effort to reconcile with his estranged daughter, Allison, showing persistence in his pursuit of forgiveness. His approach gradually softened her initial hostility, hinting at renewed possibilities in their relationship.

On Christmas Eve, Howard visited Madeleine, who encouraged him to watch a poignant video of his late wife and daughter. This deeply emotional moment led Howard to finally acknowledge his daughter's name and confront his grief openly.

As the holiday season progressed, Howard and Madeleine’s relationship began to blossom, marked by newfound affection. They took a stroll in Central Park, where they shared a moment of connection and hope, demonstrating healing from their losses.

As Howard and Madeleine enjoyed their time together, Amy, Raffi, and Brigitte observed from a distance before vanishing. This surreal moment left the couple in their shared joy, symbolizing the transition from past grief to new beginnings.