Down and Out in Beverly Hills

The Whiteman family, living in Beverly Hills, is engulfed in a sense of stagnation. Their life is marked by impersonal exchanges and a monotonous routine that has drained the vibrancy from their marriage.

Dave, the entrepreneur of Dave-Bar, engages in a passionate affair with their live-in maid, Carmen. This indiscretion adds further strain to his already faltering marriage with Barbara.

As dissatisfaction mounts, Barbara seeks solace through New Age therapies and comfort shopping. This behavior highlights her emotional turmoil and desire for change amid a spiraling relationship with Dave.

The teenage son, Max, deals with feelings of alienation from his parents, using avant-garde video art to express his identity crisis. His work serves as both a reflection and critique of his family's superficial lifestyle.

Nineteen-year-old Jenny struggles with self-image issues, leading her to conflict with her father. She battles what seems to be an eating disorder, which adds to her father's worries about her well-being.

Jerry Baskin, a homeless man mourning his lost companion, attempts to end his life by the Whitemans' pool. Dave intervenes, saving Jerry and offering him refuge in their home, setting off a chain of unexpected events.

After moving into the Whiteman household, Jerry begins to develop a friendship with Dave. Their conversations offer contrasting perspectives on life, exposing the materialism that dominates Dave's existence.

Jerry's presence reignites a sense of passion in Barbara that had long been dormant. This newfound connection leads to tensions as both she and Dave navigate shifting dynamics in their relationship.

Encouraged by Jerry's understanding nature, Max begins to explore and express his gender identity. This vital moment marks a significant step forward in his journey towards self-acceptance.

During a lavish party hosted by the Whitemans, tensions reach a boiling point. Jenny makes a shocking revelation about her feelings for her father, leading to a physical confrontation between Dave and Jerry.

The confrontation escalates quickly, involving the partygoers as emotions run high. The chaos culminates in all three men ending up in the swimming pool, showcasing the turmoil within the family.

The next morning, Jerry reflects on the fictional tales he told about his past. Preparing to leave, he feels the emotional weight of his relationships with the Whitemans, acknowledging the truths he stretched.

As Jerry walks down the service alleyway with Matisse, he takes a final look at the household staff, who watch with mixed emotions. This poignant farewell signals the end of his brief but impactful time with the family.

In a moment of contemplation, Jerry's gaze meets those of the Whitemans, capturing their shared bond. Realizing the depth of their connection, he chooses to rejoin the group, filled with warmth and new understanding.

Together, Jerry and the Whitemans move back into the estate grounds. This moment marks a sort of new beginning for the family, now imbued with an aura of warmth and connection that was previously absent.