Drop Dead Fred

Elizabeth Cronin, a court reporter in Minneapolis, makes a brave attempt to connect with her estranged husband, Charles. However, this meeting quickly turns sour as she learns he is determined to divorce her and is involved with another woman named Annabella.

After her disappointing encounter with Charles, Elizabeth finds herself stranded when two thieves rob her. One steals her purse, while the other takes her car, leading to a cascade of unfortunate events that ultimately results in her arriving late to work.

Elizabeth's tardiness at the courthouse leads to her termination from her job as a court reporter. This marked the beginning of a downward spiral in her life as she grapples with both personal and professional disappointments.

While leaving the courthouse, Elizabeth runs into Mickey Bunce, an old friend from her childhood. This meeting brings back fond memories of their youthful antics, particularly involving an imaginary friend named Drop Dead Fred, whom Elizabeth remembers with both joy and regret.

After some encouragement from her friend Janie, Elizabeth decides to move back in with her overbearing mother, Polly. Within moments of her return, Polly chastises Elizabeth for her failed marriage and pressure begins to mount as tensions rise.

In a desperate attempt to win back Charles's affection, Elizabeth undergoes a drastic makeover. However, this transformation is soon overshadowed by Fred’s unexpected return, throwing her plans into chaos.

As Drop Dead Fred reenters Elizabeth's life, his antics lead to widespread chaos including the destruction of a restaurant and the sinking of Janie's houseboat. These events prompt concern from Elizabeth's mother, who insists on seeking professional help.

Elizabeth is taken to see a child psychologist by her mother, where she is prescribed medication intended to eliminate Fred from her life. This moment signifies a critical attempt to suppress her childhood imagination and unresolved issues.

During therapy, Elizabeth recalls a traumatic moment from her childhood when she felt abandoned. This pivotal memory involves her imaginary friend Fred hiding from her mother's rage, underscoring the emotional scars left by her family dynamics.

With a newfound sense of clarity, Elizabeth and Fred devise a plan to crash a party hosted by Charles. This escapade represents her embracing the chaos in her life while also attempting to reclaim her sense of self.

During the party, Elizabeth initially feels excited about rekindling her relationship with Charles. However, her joy is short-lived as Fred reveals Charles' ongoing infidelity with Annabella, forcing Elizabeth to confront harsh truths.

The revelation of Charles' betrayal leads Elizabeth to emotional turmoil, resulting in a physical and mental breakdown. This crisis acts as a catalyst, leading her to deeper introspection and a quest for rediscovery.

In a dream sequence, Elizabeth confronts her childhood self, who has been imprisoned by fear. With Fred's guidance, she liberates this young version of herself, signifying a major breakthrough in her emotional recovery.

Upon awakening, Elizabeth feels empowered and chooses to end her relationship with Charles for good. This moment symbolizes her reclaiming control over her life, standing up to both Charles and her mother.

As Elizabeth embarks on a new chapter, she visits Mickey and discovers that Fred has taken a new form in the life of Mickey's daughter, Natalie. Although Elizabeth cannot see Fred, she reflects on their shared journey and the impact he had on her life.