My Life Without Me

At just 23 years old, Ann is a janitor in rural British Columbia. Once a promising student, her life took a turn after an unexpected pregnancy at a Nirvana concert, altering her dreams and ambitions.

Ann lives with her husband, Don, and their two daughters in a modest camper provided by her mother. Despite the challenges of their humble lifestyle, they attempt to create a cheerful home for their family.

One fateful morning, Ann collapses at home, prompting her mother to rush her to the hospital. This alarming event sets the stage for the life-changing diagnosis that follows.

At the hospital, Ann receives devastating news from the untraditional Dr. Thompson. She learns that she has cancer affecting multiple organs, leaving her with only three months to live.

Overwhelmed by her diagnosis, Ann decides to conceal her illness from her family, opting to tell them she has anemia instead. This decision burdens her with secrecy as she faces her reality alone.

Confronted with her mortality, Ann begins to compile a bucket list of experiences she wants to achieve. This list encompasses whimsical adventures and deeper desires, such as exploring out-of-marriage relationships.

At a local diner, Ann meets Lee, a land surveyor played by Mark Ruffalo. Their unexpected connection sparks an affair that complicates her already tumultuous emotional landscape.

Amid her struggles, Ann begins to prepare for her daughters' futures by recording tapes for them. These tapes are meant to be opened on their birthdays, sharing her love and hopes for them.

As her health deteriorates, Ann invites a new neighbor, also named Ann, into her family's life. The neighbor has a nursing background and may serve as a potential support for her children after she's gone.

Seeking closure, Ann decides to visit her estranged father, who is in prison. This meeting is fraught with emotional complexity, as she struggles to share her diagnosis with him.

As Ann grapples with her impending fate, she reflects on her relationships and what they mean. The emotional weight of her choices becomes a focal point in her final days.

In her last moments, Ann focuses on leaving behind not just memories but love for her family. She understands the importance of nurturing hope and creating a legacy for her daughters.

Amidst her farewell, Ann seeks to establish a poignant closure for herself and loved ones. This culminates in her reflecting on life's fragility and the bonds she cherishes.