One True Thing

Ellen, a young writer, comes back home for a weekend from her busy life in the city. She is immediately confronted with the harsh reality of her mother's grave illness, setting the stage for a tumultuous emotional journey.

Upon her return, Ellen's father, George, expresses his hope that Ellen will abandon her writing aspirations to help care for her mother after surgery. This expectation causes Ellen to question her father's understanding of her dreams and her own sense of identity.

As Ellen observes her mother's progression from vibrant to weakened, she begins to appreciate Kate's past contributions to their family and community. This realization deepens her emotional investment in the situation, complicating her relationship with her mother.

Ellen attempts to assume her mother's role, only to find the challenges overwhelming. She begins to understand the sacrifices and emotional labor involved in caring for a dying loved one, pushing her to her limits.

During Thanksgiving, George invites esteemed writers to celebrate rather than focus on Kate's deteriorating health. Ellen feels neglected and struggles with her father's priorities, leading to rising tensions in the family dynamics.

A confrontation erupts between Ellen and George, igniting a bitter exchange where Ellen feels emotionally abandoned. This moment crystallizes her anger and confusion regarding her father's actions and their family's circumstances.

The family receives the devastating news from doctors that Kate's cancer has advanced beyond any possibility of treatment. This revelation forces the family to reevaluate their conversations and the importance of their shared time together.

In a poignant moment, Kate tries to share her wisdom with Ellen about love and the complexities of relationships, aware of the strain that has developed between her and George. Ellen struggles to articulate her feelings, highlighting the emotional disconnect.

As her responsibilities increase, Ellen is confronted with the harsh realities of caregiving, including managing her mother's pain and administering morphine. These experiences push her into a deeper state of grief and reflection.

On the edge of profound grief, Ellen faces a heart-wrenching decision regarding her mother's suffering. Caught between compassion for her mother and the bitter pain of loss, she struggles with the implications of her choices.

In the final moments, the family acknowledges the depth of their love and the acceptance of the imminent loss. This moment of unity amidst sorrow reveals the bonds they share and the emotional turbulence of letting go.

After Kate's passing, Ellen finds herself recounting her mother’s story to a man who seems to play the role of a grief counselor. This exchange highlights her struggle to balance protecting her father's image while dealing with her own feelings of guilt.

At her mother's grave, Ellen plants bulbs in a symbolic gesture of remembrance and connection. This act serves as a reflection on the profound relationship she had with her mother, encapsulating both love and loss.

In a touching moment, Ellen and George confront their grief together, recognizing the profound impact Kate had on their lives. This pivotal exchange marks the beginning of their healing journey as a family, united in their sorrow.