Ghostlight

Dan Mueller, a construction worker, faces the challenges of parenting his rebellious teenage daughter, Daisy. He navigates the difficulties of her disciplinary issues while grappling with the emotional turmoil stemming from his son's tragic death.

Dan decides to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Christine Hawthorne, the ex-girlfriend of his deceased son, Brian. This legal battle adds to the stress Dan experiences as he tries to hold someone accountable for his son's tragic suicide.

While at work, Dan, overwhelmed by stress, witnesses a rude driver provoke him and he loses his temper. This incident serves as a breaking point for Dan, demonstrating the toll the dual pressures of his family and legal issues are taking on him.

After the incident with the driver, Rita, an actor from the community theater, invites Dan to audition for the role of Lord Capulet in their upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. This marks a turning point as Dan seeks a creative escape from his troubles.

Tensions rise at home when Dan's wife, Sharon, attempts to create a garden in their yard over the site where Brian took his life. This act sparks a heated confrontation with Dan, who lashes out at Daisy, showcasing the underlying grief and resentment within the family.

During a rehearsal for Romeo and Juliet, Dan confronts Rita about her performance after witnessing her emotional outburst. This moment underscores the shared trauma experienced by the characters, while also further connecting Dan and Rita through their passion for theater.

Dan begins lying to his family about his whereabouts, as he dedicates more time to the theater production after being cast as Romeo. This dishonesty strains his relationship with his family, particularly when Daisy follows him to the theater and discovers the truth.

Sharon confronts Dan about his potential infidelity after hearing he is on mandatory leave from work. This emotional confrontation leads to a dramatic revelation, forcing Dan to come clean about his involvement in the play.

After witnessing her father's talent in theater, Sharon allows the cast to perform in the school gym, with Daisy taking on the role of Mercutio. This development signifies a turning point for Daisy, who reconnects with her passion for acting and finds common ground with her father.

As the performance date approaches, Dan grapples with the emotional demands of portraying Romeo, particularly during the character's suicide scene. With encouragement from Daisy, he learns to channel his grief and understand Brian's emotions, which helps him prepare.

During Christine Hawthorne's deposition, Dan reveals the heartbreaking truth that Brian and Christine attempted suicide together after Daisy's family moved away. This pivotal moment highlights Dan's internal struggle and the complexity of his grief, leading him to re-evaluate his lawsuit.

In a moment of clarity, Dan decides to drop the wrongful death lawsuit against Christine, acknowledging his own culpability in Brian's death. This decision infuriates Sharon, who feels that their emotional struggles and financial resources have been squandered.

As the theater production culminates, Dan and Rita evoke deep emotions from the audience, especially Sharon, who is moved to tears during the performance. This moment reinforces the power of art to heal and unite, amidst their family’s ongoing grief.

During the finale of the show where Romeo dies, Dan experiences a profound moment when he sees the vision of Brian offstage in the background. This encounter symbolizes Dan's acceptance of his loss and his journey toward healing.

After the conclusion of the play, Dan and his family share a heartfelt hug, signifying a moment of unity and understanding. Following the cast party, they return home together, hinting at the possibility of moving forward as a family despite their shared pain.