Her Story

Wang Tiemei, a strong-willed single mother, moves with her daughter Wang Moli into a new home in Shanghai. The relocation sets the stage for her pragmatic approach to daily life and the challenges of raising Moli on her own. This opening establishes the personal stakes that drive her decisions throughout the film.

Tiemei encounters her neighbor, Xiao Ye, a gentle and intuitive presence who contrasts with her focused pragmatism. Their initial exchange hints at a widening gap between old habits and new possibilities. The encounter seeds the future support that will shape both women’s journeys.

Xiao Ye and Tiemei form a close bond as they navigate the uncertainties of urban life. Xiao Ye’s empathy softens Tiemei’s guarded demeanor, while Tiemei’s resilience grounds their friendship. Their growing closeness becomes a source of practical and emotional support.

Tiemei’s ex-husband reappears, meddling in her efforts to stabilize life for Moli. His interference forces her to confront lingering hurts and the complexities of co-parenting. The conflict tests Tiemei’s resolve and foreshadows the need for new boundaries.

A confrontation with past emotions unfolds as Tiemei tries to protect her daughter from disruption. She reevaluates what she owes to her family and what she must claim for herself. The tension marks a turning point in how she views her own autonomy.

Wang Moli’s fascination with music grows, and Xiao Ma, her drumming teacher, enters their world. His patient, encouraging approach exposes Tiemei to possibilities she hadn’t considered. The lessons begin to ripple outward, inviting Tiemei to reimagine her future.

Xiao Ma’s calm guidance challenges Tiemei’s guarded nature and pushes her to trust new mentors. His presence reveals that growth can come through mentorship and calm persistence. Tiemei starts to see a path to fulfillment that doesn’t require sacrificing herself.

Meanwhile Xiao Ye encourages Tiemei to rethink relationships and her sense of self-worth. Through conversations about worth, agency, and change, Tiemei begins to question old scripts that limited her. The influence expands her view of what she can pursue in life.

With new possibilities in sight, Tiemei starts considering a life beyond motherhood and the constraints she once accepted. She moves toward steps that center her own aspirations as well as her daughter's happiness. The shift signals a deliberate move toward personal growth.

Over time, both the ex-husband and Xiao Ma undergo changes, learning the value of mutual respect and equality in their interactions. Their evolving dynamics reflect the film’s broader message about growth through understanding. These changes ripple through their relationships with Tiemei and with Xiao Ye.

Tiemei and Xiao Ye engage in conversations about identity, gender roles, and personal agency. They voice their desires more openly, challenging societal expectations in subtle but significant ways. The dialogue reinforces their bond and signals a shift in how they see themselves.

Tiemei and Xiao Ye redefine their relationships and approach life with a renewed sense of partnership and respect. The film emphasizes that support and equality can coexist with care and affection. Their arc illustrates the power of chosen family and mutual transformation.

Growth and transformation illuminate how personal connections shape identity. Tiemei’s newfound confidence and the evolving friendships demonstrate self-discovery as a communal journey. The story closes on a note of hope for fulfilling futures shaped by courage and connection.