The Land of Steady Habits

Anders Hill faces the emotional aftermath of his recent divorce from Helene Harris. This life change forces him to reevaluate his identity and cope with the implications of retiring early from a career in finance.

In the wake of his divorce, Anders struggles with managing the family home’s mortgage, falling six months behind in payments. This financial strain forces him to confront the unsustainable nature of his retirement while carrying the burden of home ownership.

Anders’ adult son, Preston, resides with Helene, facing his own battle with substance abuse. Their strained relationship intensifies as Preston's problems complicate Anders' attempts to adjust to his new life.

At a Christmas party co-hosted by Helene and her neighbor Sophie, Anders feels increasingly disconnected from those around him. His feeling of isolation pushes him outside, where he meets Sophie’s son, Charlie, and his friends.

During the outdoor gathering, Anders is persuaded to try a bong, only to discover it contains PCP. The situation escalates as Charlie overdoses, leading to his urgent hospitalization and leaving Anders shocked and guilty.

Struggling with his finances, Anders is introduced to Barbara at a strip club by a friend. Despite the unusual setting, they share a quick connection that hints at a potential romance amidst Anders' personal turmoil.

In a drunken stupor, Anders mistakenly enters his former home, provoking a tense confrontation with Helene and her boyfriend Donny. The mistake highlights Anders’ ongoing struggle between his past life and current reality.

Feeling the weight of family pressures, Preston reveals to Helene that he has lost his job. This discussion sheds light on the family's growing tensions and Anders' inability to manage finances as he is overwhelmed by his responsibilities.

Charlie, seeking to escape rehab, reaches out to Anders for help with a pet turtle. Though Anders considers the potentially harmful repercussions, they bond over shared experiences, including Charlie's ambitions in graphic novels.

After enduring various struggles, Preston makes a heartbreaking discovery—Charlie’s lifeless body hidden behind a tree. This tragic moment not only impacts Preston deeply but also redefines family dynamics surrounding grief and accountability.

In the wake of Charlie’s death, Preston finds a way back to live with Helene, highlighting the fragility of their family ties. This reunion comes with emotional weight as they grapple with their losses and navigate their new reality.

During the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, Anders admits to using drugs with Charlie, igniting conflict and revealing hidden truths. Sophie’s shocking revelation regarding an affair with Anders intensifies tensions within the group.

Following the explosive dinner, a confrontation occurs between Anders and Mitchell, Sophie’s boyfriend, culminating in a physical altercation. The fight symbolizes the intense emotions and unresolved conflicts that have been simmering beneath the surface.

Months later, Anders, Preston, and Helene begin to construct new paths for themselves. Helene sells the family home while planning a wedding, and Preston pursues graduate studies, signaling a new chapter for each family member.

As life moves forward, Anders discovers a sense of stability in his relationship with Barbara. Embracing his role as a caretaker for Charlie's turtle, he begins to carve out a new normalcy, marking a positive change in his retirement.