Only When I Laugh

Georgia Hines is released from alcohol rehab and returns to her Manhattan apartment, reuniting with her friends Jimmy and Toby. She vows to maintain sobriety as she eases back into theatre work, while Polly, her teenage daughter, asks to move in with her mother. The fragile new balance sets the stage for the challenges ahead.

Georgia's ex-lover, writer David Lowe, calls to propose a meeting. He presents a new script based on their turbulent, alcohol-fueled relationship and asks Georgia to play the lead—herself. She agrees to consider the offer.

At rehearsals, Georgia delivers a compelling turn but confuses art with life during a scene and loses her composure. David consoles her and tells her she is the only one who can do the part, kissing her on the cheek as he exits. The moment underscores both her talent and the fragility of her sobriety.

Jimmy is cast in a different production, providing some good news for him as the group copes with Georgia's sobriety journey. The news offers a glimmer of normalcy amid rising tensions within the circle. The ensemble clings to small wins to balance their personal struggles.

Georgia presents David with a gift at rehearsal, catching him off guard. He introduces Georgia to his new girlfriend Denise Summers, and Georgia realizes David's affections toward her were mostly friendship. The moment sharpens the sense that their past romance is over.

Toby's husband announces a divorce, adding to the stress among the friends. The group agrees to gather at Toby's place that evening to support her. Tensions mount as personal troubles surface and threaten their camaraderie.

Toby greets Georgia at the door and recalls her past life as a beauty and perfect wife before the evening reveals hidden insecurities. Georgia keeps refilling Toby's champagne as anxiety grows, then excuses herself to retouch her makeup. Jimmy arrives distressed after being fired from his own play, and Georgia retreats to the kitchen to drink.

Polly arrives with her new boyfriend Jason, and the group tries to hide Georgia's drinking. Georgia's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as she lashes out at Polly and Jason. Polly confronts Georgia, scolding her and leaving in distress.

Jimmy helps Georgia home, but she sneaks out to buy cigarettes and returns to drink at a neighborhood bar. She flirts with a stranger, who follows her into an alley and brutal ly attacks her. The assault shakes the circle and deepens the consequences of her relapse.

Battered, Georgia makes it to Toby's, pleading not to involve the police. Toby tends to her wounds, but Georgia continues drinking. Despite the confrontation, the two friends share a laugh and begin to reconcile.

The next morning Polly tries to arrange lunch at Tavern on the Green with Polly's father to discuss shared custody, but Georgia uses her injury as an excuse and refuses. Polly feels rejected, and she moves out.

After Polly moves out, Georgia starts to accept Jimmy's consoling and realizes she uses friends to enable her behavior. She begins to confront her tendency toward alcohol and self-destructive patterns.

Georgia later meets Polly and Polly's father for lunch, signaling a tentative return to responsibility and accountability. The conversation reveals Georgia's acknowledgment of past mistakes and resolve to seek help if needed. Polly and her father respond with cautious support as a path forward.