The Details (2012) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

In a rain‑softened Seattle neighborhood, an obstetrician‑gynecologist balances the demands of his practice with the quiet turbulence of his home. Jeff lives with his wife Nealy and their toddler in a modest house that feels both comfortable and cramped, a space where the prospect of expanding their family looms amid lingering doubts about their marriage. The couple’s routine is punctuated by the ordinary worries of parenthood, yet an undercurrent of disconnect makes every conversation feel like a negotiation of unspoken expectations.

When a newly laid lawn attracts an unexpected family of raccoons, Jeff finds himself drawn into an all‑consuming quest to reclaim his backyard. The nocturnal intruders become a strangely convenient focus, pulling his attention away from the fragile cracks in his relationship. As he devises increasingly elaborate plans to evict the critters, the house fills with a mix of humor and tension, turning a simple pest problem into a symbolic battlefield for his deeper anxieties.

Friendship and neighborly proximity add further layers to the domestic tableau. Lila, a nearby resident, offers a sympathetic ear that quickly blurs the line between concern and involvement, while Becca, an old confidante, surfaces at moments when Jeff seeks validation beyond his marital circle. Their presence hints at roads not taken and choices that hover just out of reach, casting a gentle glow on the moral gray zones that the protagonist navigates.

The film’s tone balances dark comedy with earnest introspection, painting a portrait of a man whose attempt to control the external—raccoons, lawn, and neighborly advice—mirrors his struggle to manage the internal disquiet of a partnership on shaky ground. Amid the drizzle‑spattered streets and the soft hum of suburban life, the story invites viewers to consider how easily a small distraction can amplify larger, unspoken fears, leaving the audience wondering whether the real battle lies outside the garden gates or within the heart of the home.