Ithaca

Set in 1942, the film places its events during World War II, when many young men are overseas and families face uncertainty at home. The era intensifies the characters' sense of duty, fear, and perseverance as letters and telegrams arrive with updates from the front. The period shapes daily life, economies, and emotional resilience on the home front.

The story unfolds in the small, fictional town of Ithaca, California, a close-knit community defined by local shops, schools, and a busy telegraph office. The daily rhythm is punctuated by incoming telegrams bearing news of the war, love, or loss. Ithaca serves as a microcosm of American life on the home front during World War II.

🌱 Coming of Age

Homer's role as a bicycle telegraph messenger thrusts him into responsibilities that outpace his years. He confronts real-world emotions like loss, fear, and duty, marking a transition from boyhood to a more mature understanding of the world.

🕊️ War's Reach

The absence of Marcus, the front-line updates, and the looming threat of casualties demonstrate how war reverberates through an ordinary town. The characters grapple with hope, worry, and the persistent presence of danger.

💔 Loss and Grief

Messages announcing deaths and the ultimate loss of a father highlight how grief threads through the family. The story treats mourning as a daily presence that redefines relationships and priorities.

💪 Duty and Resilience

Homer takes on household responsibilities while his mother navigates grief and precarious finances. The community and family learn to endure hardship with quiet courage and mutual support.