Mary

In 1976, eight-year-old Mary Daisy Dinkle lives a lonely and challenging life in Mount Waverley, Australia. She is teased by classmates for her birthmark, and her family situation is troubled, with her distant father Noel and alcoholic, kleptomaniac mother Vera. Her only comforts are her pet rooster, Ethel, sweetened condensed milk, and a cartoon show called The Noblets.

During a trip to the post office with her mother, Mary finds a New York City phone book, becomes curious about Americans, and randomly chooses the name Max Jerry Horowitz. She writes him a letter about herself, initiating their unlikely friendship and connection across continents.

Max, living in New York City and struggling with obesity, social anxiety, and mental health issues, receives Mary's letter, which triggers a panic attack. Despite his initial distress, he responds, and the two exchange letters, bonded by their shared love for chocolate and The Noblets. Max's response sparks his own emotional struggles and health issues.

Max suffers an anxiety attack that results in his eight-month hospitalization. After recovering, he wins the lottery, using his winnings to buy a lifetime supply of chocolate and a collection of Noblet figurines. He also gives some money to his neighbor Ivy, who tragically dies in an accident.

Mary faces the death of her father Noel in a metal-detecting accident. She chooses to remove her birthmark, symbolizing a desire for change. Her mother Vera dies after drinking embalming fluid by mistake. Mary then falls in love with her neighbor Damien Popodopoulos and marries him after her mother's death.

Mary studies psychology at university, focusing her dissertation on Asperger syndrome using Max as a case study. She sends him her work, but Max feels exploited, leading him to cut off communication. She destroys her copies of the dissertation, which damages her academic career and leads her to turn to alcohol. Her relationship with Damien also ends when he leaves her for a pen pal.

Mary, feeling remorseful, sends Max a can of condensed milk as an apology. Max, having a moment of clarity about human flaws, responds by sending Mary his collection of Noblet figurines and a heartfelt letter that emphasizes their friendship's importance. Len, now overcoming his agoraphobia, delivers Max’s package to Mary.

Pregnant and feeling overwhelmed, Mary considers suicide but finds new hope after reading Max's heartfelt letter. His words inspire her to keep going, and she makes plans to visit him in New York with her infant child, seeking closure and connection.

Arriving in New York, Mary discovers that Max has passed away peacefully on his couch. She sees all her letters taped to his ceiling, realizing the profound impact of their friendship. She sits beside him, overwhelmed with emotion, mourning the loss and treasuring the connection they shared.