The Eternal Daughter

Middle-aged filmmaker Julie Hart takes her elderly mother, Rosalind Hart, to a remote and seemingly deserted hotel. With the recent passing of her father weighing heavily on her, Julie hopes to bond with her mother while exploring the possibility of creating a film about her life. Enveloped in a mysterious fog, this hotel serves as a former family residence for Rosalind, who begins to recount painful episodes from her past at this location, such as a heartbreaking miscarriage and the death of a loved one during World War II.

As these memories resurface, Julie starts to question the wisdom of revisiting such sorrow, yet Rosalind reassures her that these moments should not burden her. The hotel, once a venue of joy, still holds cherished memories for Rosalind amidst the pain. One evening, when Julie returns to their room, she discovers that their beloved dog has vanished. In a panic, she searches the grounds and calls upon Bill Mydell, a hotel employee, for assistance. Rosalind eventually comes back to find the dog sitting innocently on the bed, leading her to express gratitude to Bill. They share a drink together and connect over their mutual loss—Julie’s father and Bill’s late wife.

The next day, Julie inadvertently overhears Rosalind confiding in Bill, expressing pity for Julie’s situation since she has no children and dedicates all her attention to her mother. On the occasion of Rosalind’s birthday, Julie goes to great lengths to prepare a special dinner. However, when Rosalind claims she is not hungry, it triggers an emotional response from Julie. She reveals her struggle with happiness in the face of her mother’s unhappiness and her profound fears about the future, particularly regarding her lack of children to care for her in her old age. As she brings out a birthday cake, her tears unveil a heartbreaking truth: she is alone at the table, and her mother has already passed away.

The following day, with a heavy heart, Julie immerses herself in writing her screenplay and prepares to leave the hotel. Just as she departs, the once-quiet establishment reveals itself to be bustling with guests and staff. The hotel receptionist appears to have a genuine concern for Julie’s well-being, but she receives reassurance from Bill that helps her secure a taxi. As she drives away, the dense fog that shrouded the hotel begins to dissipate, symbolizing the hope of moving forward despite the grief.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:41