Parked

After spending time in the UK, Fred returns to his homeland of Ireland. His return marks the beginning of a reclusive life that sees him living out of his car, trapped in a frustrating cycle of bureaucracy.

Fred's new life is marked by the struggle to access social benefits. He faces a paradox where he cannot secure a rental room due to his lack of a permanent address, yet without a rental, he can't qualify for social assistance.

Fred unexpectedly befriends Cathal, a 21-year-old with a laid-back attitude. Their friendship brings moments of laughter as they learn to face the hardships of life together, finding joy in small pleasures.

Cathal becomes a significant influence on Fred, pushing him to take steps towards reclaiming his life. Through Cathal's encouragement, Fred begins to make modifications to his car and navigates the complexities of the social system.

As Fred starts to adjust, he develops a bond with Jules, a charming music teacher living nearby. This new connection highlights Fred's struggle with pride as he grapples with the reality of his unconventional living situation.

While Fred begins to find his footing, Cathal faces his own struggles with drug use, escalating his dependence despite earlier commitments to stay clean. This duality creates tension between the two friends as they confront their respective challenges.

Fred's trust is severely tested when he learns about Cathal's secret drug use, particularly his troubling choice to inject drugs into his feet. In a heated moment of anger, Fred confronts Cathal, which leads to a rift between them.

With Fred storming off, Cathal finds himself in dire straits as he is assaulted by his dealer. Desperation leads him to break into his father's house looking for money, but he is turned away, forcing him towards a dangerous path.

Cathal ends up at a bonfire with other addicts, where his desperation drives him to barter his shoes for a needle. This moment signifies a breaking point as Cathal injects himself, leading to a tragic loss of consciousness.

Upon returning, Fred's heart sinks when he finds Cathal's car in disarray and his treasured watch broken. This discovery propels him into a frantic search for his friend, unaware of the tragedy that awaits.

Fred's search culminates in the devastating realization that Cathal has passed away. He finds his friend in the mortuary, and the weight of the loss hits him hard, marking a pivotal moment in his life.

Despite the overwhelming heartache from losing Cathal, Fred begins to process the impact his friend had on his life. Through Cathal's encouragement, Fred is stirred toward confronting his own situation and moving forward.

As Fred reflects on his friendship with Cathal, he resolves to take charge of his life. The experience, though laden with grief, serves as a catalyst for change, pushing him toward personal growth and a new beginning.

Fred recognizes that Cathal's final actions were not in vain; they ultimately propelled him toward a better path. The bond they shared remains a lasting memory that influences Fred's journey ahead.