Pieces of a Woman

Martha Weiss and Sean Carson eagerly await the arrival of their first child, filled with excitement and joy. They bond over their dreams of parenthood during a visit to a car dealership, showcasing their close relationship and shared aspirations.

In a heartfelt moment, Martha's mother surprises the couple with a new minivan, symbolizing their readiness for family life. This gift represents not just practicality but also the support from their family as they prepare for their baby.

Sean expresses his love by giving Martha ultrasound pictures, which they prepare to adorn their nursery. This act signifies their deep connection and the love that they share as they await their child's arrival.

The joy of anticipation quickly turns into panic when Martha unexpectedly goes into labor. With their midwife unavailable, Eva steps in, guiding Martha through the intense early stages of childbirth.

As Martha experiences the agony of labor, her condition worsens, and Eva realizes their urgent need for hospital assistance due to the baby's declining heart rate. Frantic and overwhelmed, Sean is faced with the challenge of making quick decisions.

Despite the escalating tensions, Martha's determination leads her to fight through the pain and deliver her baby. The moment is filled with hope as the family welcomes their daughter into the world amidst chaos.

Just moments after giving birth, tragedy strikes as their newborn goes into cardiac arrest. This heartbreaking event marks the beginning of profound grief for both Martha and Sean as they confront their unimaginable loss.

In the weeks following their loss, Martha faces her sorrow in various settings, marked by painful reminders of her baby. A seemingly normal moment in a grocery store thrusts her into emotional turmoil, highlighting the depth of her grief.

Martha and Sean attend a coroner's appointment, which reveals that their baby died due to low oxygen levels. This appointment brings feelings of guilt and blame, causing them to question their choices throughout the labor process.

As grief takes its toll, Martha and Sean's relationship begins to fracture. Tensions mount as they argue over every detail, including the baby's room, and Sean seeks comfort outside their marriage, leading to a devastating affair.

Martha finds herself involved in the trial of Eva, the midwife, where she must confront her feelings about their loss. Ultimately, she stands firm in her belief that Eva is not to blame, showing her strength and resilience amidst the turmoil.

In the midst of her pain, Martha begins to nurture her healing process, finding solace in nature. The moment her apple seeds sprout serves as a metaphor for her gradual recovery and the rekindling of hope in her life.

As a poignant ritual, Martha scatters her daughter's ashes in the river, symbolizing her acceptance of the tragedy. This act is both cathartic and transformative, as she embraces the memories while looking toward a brighter future.

Years later, Martha finds herself helping a little girl climb down from an apple tree, surrounding her with new life and joy. This moment embodies her ongoing journey of healing, where she learns to nurture hope despite the lingering pain.