Ten Thousand Saints

The film begins with a solemn funeral scene, where a poignant scripture mentions '10,000 saints.' This sets a somber tone for the narrative that unfolds in Vermont during 1980.

Jude, the main character, reaches out to his father Les, who has been exiled to the greenhouse by his wife Harriet due to his infidelity. Their heartfelt conversation reveals the depth of their bond and the complexities of their family dynamics.

Harriet, Jude's mother, is introduced as a glass artist, completing the family dynamic alongside their daughter Prudence. This aspect of her character adds depth to the family’s creative yet tumultuous life.

On an unspecified New Year's Eve, Eliza, the teenage daughter of Jude's new girlfriend Diane, unexpectedly arrives. Her entrance introduces new dynamics and hints at underlying troubles that will unfold.

Eliza's backstory reveals that she lost her father, a successful lawyer, at a young age. This loss weighs heavily on her, influencing her actions and relationships throughout the film.

Diane introduces Jude and his friend Teddy to Eliza during a lavish party in her opulent New York City home. The celebratory atmosphere turns dark as substance use leads to severe consequences for the young attendees.

Following the party, Jude and Teddy face catastrophic outcomes as their choices spiral out of control. Eliza's precarious situation emerges, including the threat of an unintended pregnancy, complicating their already tangled relationships.

Les expresses his wish for Jude to move in with him in New York City, where he has secured a modest rent-controlled apartment. This decision is pivotal, as it signifies a change in Jude's life and the family dynamic.

Jude's move brings him closer to Teddy's brother Johnny, a tattoo artist with a rock band named 'Army of One.' Johnny’s lifestyle, embodying the straightedge philosophy, contrasts sharply with Jude's and Les's choices, highlighting generational differences.

Eliza and Johnny's relationship begins to develop, unfolding various complexities tied to their pasts and the pressures of their current situations. Their bond becomes a focal point as challenges arise amidst Johnny's band commitments.

An unexpected camaraderie forms between Harriet and Diane as Eliza takes residence with Harriet. This alliance reveals how their differing perspectives on life and motherhood influence one another.

As Johnny's band tours frequently, the strain of distance begins to affect his relationship with Eliza. Their challenges illuminate the difficulties of balancing personal aspirations with romantic commitments.

The film progressively delves into themes of morality and personal choices, illustrating the struggles of the characters as they navigate their tumultuous lives. These conflicts become increasingly palpable against the backdrop of a changing neighborhood.

The encroachment of yuppies into the characters' once downtrodden neighborhood serves as a metaphor for the characters' personal struggles. Their quest for identity and belonging is challenged by the shifting social landscape around them.