The Humbling

Once a celebrated stage actor, Simon Axler faces the twilight of his career following unremarkable performances of major roles. Harsh critiques at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. shatter his confidence and mark the beginning of his deep depression.

Amidst Simon's despair, his wife Victoria, a former ballerina, feels compelled to leave. Seeking solace in California, she takes their son, leaving Simon to grapple with his artistic and emotional decline.

In a bid to find help, Simon enters a psychiatric hospital on the advice of his physician. Here, he undergoes a rigorous 26-day therapy regimen that aims to address his deep-seated issues and loss of identity.

While in the hospital, Simon meets Sybil Van Buren, another patient battling her own demons. As Sybil shares her painful story about her estranged husband's abuse, Simon starts to resonate with her feelings of guilt and despair.

Simon's agent, Jerry Oppenheim, visits him at the hospital, presenting an opportunity to portray James Tyrone in *Long Day's Journey into Night*. Despite the potential revival of his career, Simon struggles with self-doubt and is unable to imagine a successful comeback.

Among the letters from fans delivered by Jerry, Simon finds a heartfelt note from Sybil. In her message, she expresses gratitude for their shared experiences and acknowledges that she realized who he was after seeing one of his classic films.

Simon meets Pegeen Mike Stapleford, a professor and the daughter of esteemed actors he once shared the stage with. Their chemistry sparks a clandestine romance, despite Pegeen's complex past and a troubling history with a woman transitioning into a man.

As Simon and Pegeen's affair develops, it is complicated by her tumultuous romantic history. Jealousy from Louise Renner, the school's dean, leads to a campaign against Pegeen, creating further strain in their relationship.

Simon becomes deeply involved in the aftermath of Sybil's traumatic experiences. He attempts to take action following the shooting of her estranged husband, revealing his desire to help others as a distraction from his personal side.

In an attempt to revive their intimacy, Pegeen introduces a 19-year-old college student, Lara, into their lives for a sexual role-playing exercise. However, this decision frays Simon's already fragile sense of identity and connection with Pegeen.

The culmination of Simon's turmoil occurs during a disastrous dinner that leads to a drunken threesome with Tracy. Her recognition of Simon’s fame exacerbates his insecurities, further driving him into despair.

Desperate for something to hold onto, Simon seeks out a fertility specialist, hoping to start a family with Pegeen. This act highlights his yearning for stability and connection within their precarious relationship.

Two weeks later, Pegeen chooses to end their tumultuous relationship, expressing regret for her past decisions. Simon confronts her parents, indicating the collapse of their bond and highlighting his feelings of betrayal and injustice.

In a heartbreaking culmination of despair, Simon takes his own life using a shotgun. This tragic decision intertwines his legacy with the darkness that clouded his existence, leaving a haunting imprint on those he left behind.