Ilo Ilo

The Lim family welcomes their new Filipina domestic helper, Teresa, affectionately called Terry. Her arrival marks a significant turning point for the family amidst the economic turmoil of Singapore during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Teck, the father of the Lim family, faces mounting pressure at his sales job in a glass company. His struggles are compounded as he struggles to provide for his family during the financial downturn.

The relationship between ten-year-old Jiale and Terry begins with constant friction. Jiale tries to avoid Terry by climbing over the school fence, showcasing his rebellious spirit and reluctance to accept her presence in their home.

Teck experiences a crushing blow when he loses his job, yet he chooses to conceal the truth from Hwee Leng. This decision creates further tension as he grapples with the family’s ongoing financial issues.

In an effort to keep the family afloat, Teck reluctantly accepts a temporary job as a security guard at an egg farm. Despite his efforts, financial instability continues to plague the family, exacerbated by his losses in the stock market.

When Teck finally confesses their dire financial situation to Hwee Leng, her reaction is one of anger and frustration. This moment underscores the strain that financial hardship has placed on their relationship.

As the family's struggles deepen, a surprising bond begins to form between Jiale and Terry. However, this newfound connection sparks jealousy in Hwee Leng, who feels neglected and emotionally sidelined by her son.

Hwee Leng seeks inspiration at a motivational seminar that reignites her hope for a better future. She becomes enamored with the speaker’s optimistic message, leading her to invest in dubious motivational materials that only worsen their financial woes.

Jiale showcases his resourcefulness by meticulously documenting previous lottery numbers in his schoolbook. His obsession highlights his desire to find a way to change their luck amidst their dire circumstances.

During a confrontation at school, Jiale is provoked when another boy questions whether Terry genuinely cares for him. This leads to a violent outburst, putting Jiale at risk of expulsion, demonstrating his deep-seated emotional struggles.

Terry intervenes to advocate for Jiale after his altercation at school, showing her evolving role in his life. However, Hwee Leng quickly reminds Terry of her place within the family structure, adding tension to their dynamic.

Jiale faces punishment during a school assembly, with Terry watching anxiously from the sidelines. This public humiliation underscores the challenges both he and Terry face in their relationship amid family tensions.

The Lim family is forced to sell their car as financial difficulties mount. This decision marks a significant step back, emphasizing the harsh reality of their economic decline and bringing them closer to the point of having to let Terry go.

With dwindling hope, Jiale invests his savings into lottery tickets, desperately seeking a way to change their fortunes. As each ticket proves to be a failure, his despair only deepens, reflecting the family's fragile situation.

In a sorrowful farewell, Jiale cuts a lock of Terry's hair to keep as a memory. This poignant moment takes place as he listens to her favorite song in the hospital, where Hwee Leng gives birth to a baby girl, highlighting the profound impact Terry had on their lives.