Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle

During the Prohibition era, the Algonquin Hotel becomes a meeting place for the Vicious Circle, a group of intellectuals and literary talents. This eclectic collective fosters a rich environment for creativity, banter, and camaraderie among its members.

Dorothy Parker, a renowned author, struggles with the difficulties stemming from her chaotic marriage to a substance abuser. This conflict leaves her feeling lost and desperate for support as she navigates the challenges of her life.

As Dorothy grapples with her personal struggles, she finds a connection with Robert Benchley, a colleague from Vanity Fair. Their friendship provides Dorothy with much-needed solace amid the turmoil of her personal life.

The Vicious Circle members decide to put on an impromptu theatrical performance, an event that showcases their wit and talent. This performance also introduces Dorothy to Charles MacArthur, marking the beginning of a complicated relationship.

Dorothy's interaction with Charles MacArthur leads to a profound and tumultuous relationship filled with emotional highs and lows. Their bond soon becomes strained, culminating in events that deeply affect Dorothy's views on love and loss.

Dorothy's relationship with Charles takes a devastating turn when she experiences a painful abortion. This event significantly impacts her emotional state and intensifies her critical perspective toward life and relationships.

Haunted by her past and the weight of her experiences, Dorothy falls into a deep depression. She fights tirelessly against her inner darkness while grappling with feelings of abandonment and hopelessness.

Recognizing the complexities of their shared emotional landscape, Robert Benchley decides to step back from pursuing a romantic relationship with Dorothy. His fear of future heartbreak adds another layer of distance between them.

As a result of their emotional struggles, Dorothy and Robert embark on their own paths, seeking new experiences and relationships. This separation reflects their need to cope with the weight of their experiences and pain.

In 1945, Dorothy receives the devastating news of Robert Benchley's death from cirrhosis of the liver. This tragic event plunges her into deeper grief, marking a pivotal moment in her struggle against depression.

In the years following Robert's death, Dorothy seeks help through psychoanalysis in hopes of alleviating her despair. Unfortunately, these efforts yield little relief, and she remains engulfed by the fog of sadness.

As the decades pass, Dorothy finds herself increasingly isolated in the vibrant landscape of New York City. The relentless passage of time diminishes her once-vibrant spirit, leaving her grappling with loneliness.

In 1958, after years of struggle and obscurity, Dorothy finally receives significant literary acclaim. This long-overdue recognition serves as a glimmer of hope and acknowledgment of her contributions to literature.