Dying Young

Hilary responds to a newspaper advertisement seeking a nurse. Before the interview can start, she is escorted out, leaving the job prospect unresolved and setting a sense of fragile opportunity at the story's outset.

Victor Geddes, a well-educated, wealthy man, hires Hilary to be his live-in caretaker while he undergoes chemotherapy. She moves into his home to begin tending to him as the treatment progresses.

As she settles in, Hilary becomes insecure about her abilities and starts researching leukemia to better understand Victor's condition. She also stocks healthier foods in the kitchen to support his treatment and recovery.

Victor declares he is finished with the initial chemotherapy and suggests a vacation to the coast. They rent a seaside house, beginning a new chapter away from the hospital's confines.

Living by the coast, Hilary and Victor grow closer and begin to fall in love. They settle into life outside the hospital, enjoying each other's company and a sense of normalcy.

Victor hides his use of morphine to kill the pain, preserving a facade of normalcy for Hilary. He wants to maintain control and protect their budding relationship from the harsh reality of his illness.

During a dinner with friends they made at the coast, Victor acts aggressively and collapses. Hilary rushes to help him, and the night reveals how fragile his situation remains despite the outward calm.

Hilary searches the garbage and discovers used syringes, realizing Victor has not finished chemotherapy. He confesses that chemotherapy continues and explains that he wants to experience 'quality' in life, not just endure the illness.

Hilary calls Victor's father, who arrives to take him home, insisting he return to the hospital. Victor begs to stay for one last Christmas party, delaying the reunification with medical care.

At the Christmas party, Hilary and Victor reconnect, and he tells her that he will leave with his father to go back to the hospital in the morning. Their bond deepens as they confront the looming decision about his life.

Victor's father suggests he spend one night alone before hospital, prompting Hilary to return to the house. Victor admits he is afraid of hoping, and Hilary quietly acknowledges her feelings, adding emotional weight to their situation.

Hilary finally tells Victor she loves him and they decide to go back to the hospital to fight for his life together, with Hilary by his side. They prepare to face the next phase of his illness as partners.

The film closes with Victor and Hilary leaving the house, a small Klimt Adam and Eve painting visible in the window as a symbol of hope and renewed love. They head toward the hospital, ready to continue the fight together.