Meadowland

Sarah and her husband Phil take their 10-year-old son to a convenience store in New York City. While Phil steps away briefly to grab juice, their lives are shattered when they discover their son is missing, leading to frantic searching.

Phil, while trying to talk to their son through the bathroom door, receives no response. Dread fills the air as Phil discovers the bathroom unexpectedly opens into a garage, igniting their search for their missing child.

A year later, Sarah and Phil attend a party, struggling to cope with the loss of their son. The tension is palpable as Phil reveals that Sarah has been prescribed lithium, highlighting their emotional distance and grief.

Tim, Phil's brother, lives on their couch and struggles with his own issues, failing to provide comfort to the grieving couple. His forgetfulness of their son's birthday leads to confrontations, adding strain to their fragile state.

As a middle school teacher, Sarah becomes emotionally disconnected from her students. She forms an unexpected connection with Adam, a troubled boy showing signs of autism, both reflecting her own turmoil and isolation.

Phil, now a police officer, remains haunted by memories of his son. He frequently attends a support group where he shares minimal details about his grief with Pete, another father dealing with loss, underscoring his isolation.

During a domestic disturbance call at work, Phil's emotional detachment leads him to remain inactive, unable to confront the emotional turmoil that has taken over his life. His fixation on his son only deepens his despair.

A detective uncovers a promising lead about a suspect related to their son's abduction. This revelation ignites a flicker of hope in Sarah and Phil's dark world, suggesting that answers may finally be within reach.

As the grief becomes unbearable, Sarah's mental state begins to unravel. She adopts a more juvenile attire and engages in self-harm, showcasing her struggle to find relief from the pain of her loss.

In her desperation, Sarah becomes involved with Adam's family, leading to a disturbing moment where she has a brief encounter with Adam's father. This misguided act underscores her yearning for connection amid her grief.

Sarah takes Adam under false pretenses, leading them away from their lives. While driving, she receives heart-wrenching calls from Phil about their son's tragic fate, showcasing the depth of her pain.

Stopping the car, Sarah's suppressed grief erupts as she cries for her missing son. This emotional moment reveals the crushing weight of her loss, while Adam remains oblivious to the gravity of the situation.

The story culminates in a serene yet poignant encounter with an elephant. This moment captivates both Sarah and Adam, symbolizing a fleeting sense of hope and connection amid their profound sorrow.

As the film closes, Sarah gazes deeply into the eyes of the elephant, leaving audiences to ponder the depth of her pain and longing for connection. The scene fades to black, closing their haunting narrative without resolution.