Life Itself

The film opens with a narration by Samuel L. Jackson, introducing us to Henry, a charming gay man played by Jake Robinson. During his conversation with his therapist, Dr. Cait Morris, played by Annette Bening, the tone shifts as the narrator begins to observe Cait more closely.

As Dr. Cait walks down the street, a moment of gratitude strikes her face after a compliment from Will Dempsey, portrayed by Oscar Isaac. However, tragedy interrupts this light moment as Cait is unexpectedly hit by a bus, instantly altering the narrative.

Following Cait's accident, Will’s actions become increasingly erratic, culminating in a moment where he indulges in coffee mixed with alcohol and Xanax. This leads him to sing obnoxiously in public, showcasing his chaotic state of mind as he grapples with memories of his past.

Will seeks therapy from Cait, where he reflects on the painful end of his marriage to Abby, played by Olivia Wilde. Through these sessions, Will begins to confront his tumultuous past that spiraled after Abby left him.

As Will recounts memories of his life with Abby, we witness flashbacks filled with love and despair. A poignant moment shows Abby's struggle with her tragic childhood and their deep bond, epitomized in a Halloween party where Will proposes to her.

In a particularly heart-wrenching memory, Will describes the day they were expecting their daughter. His happiness is abruptly shattered when Abby is struck by a bus right after sharing her excitement about having a girl, leading to devastating consequences.

We transition to Dylan, their daughter, played by Olivia Cooke. Raised amidst the shadows of her parents' tragic past, Dylan struggles with her relationship with her grandfather, Irwin, after experiencing the loss of her grandmother Linda.

On her 21st birthday, Dylan grapples with her emotional turmoil through music, leading to conflicts and violent confrontations at a gig. Haunted by visions of her mother, she seeks solace and understanding amidst her chaos.

Meanwhile, the film shifts to Spain, introducing Vincent Saccione, played by Antonio Banderas. Saccione's troubled past unfolds alongside Javier González, who navigates love and family intricacies, particularly with his son Rodrigo.

As Rodrigo matures, he faces emotional hurdles exacerbated by the loss of his girlfriend Isabel, who is aware of her impending illness. This culminates in a deeply emotional moment as he receives the news of her passing, reflecting on grief and loss.

In the poignant finale, we meet Elena, daughter of Rodrigo and Dylan, played by Lorenza Izzo. Elena shares her family's legacy, articulating how the intertwined lives of her parents and grandparents shape her identity and perspective on life.

The film concludes with Will reflecting on a deeply personal moment with a pregnant Abby. This final scene ties together the various threads of life, love, and the profound impact of past choices on their present situation.