The Three Lives of Thomasina

In 1912 in Inveranoch, Scotland, veterinarian Andrew MacDhui lives with his seven-year-old daughter Mary and her narrating cat, Thomasina. The film establishes a widower father grappling with his wife's death, which has eroded his faith and his empathy. Mary adores her cat and expects Thomasina to be a companion and guide.

Thomasina fights for life after a scuffle near the fish market ends badly. MacDhui orders his assistant Willie Bannock to euthanize her, believing it to be the merciful option. Willie reminds him of promises to Mary, while MacDhui remains distracted by another surgery on a seeing eye dog.

Thomasina dies at MacDhui's hands after the failed euthanasia attempt. Treated with clinical detachment, the event devastates Mary and fractures the already fragile bond between father and daughter. Mary declares her father dead, withdrawing emotionally from him.

The cat's soul visits the feline afterlife and meets Bastet, the Egyptian cat goddess, who grants her another chance at life. Bastet returns Thomasina to her body because she still has eight lives left. The miraculous return foreshadows a new, more compassionate cycle.

Mary and her friends take Thomasina's body beyond the town for a funeral, but their peaceful ritual is interrupted by the enigmatic Mad Lori in the glen. The children misread her as a witch, drawing comfort from her apparent animal healing powers. Lori's presence introduces a mysterious rival and potential ally.

Lori brings Thomasina to her improvised animal hospital, where the cat recovers but has no memory of life with Mary. This marks the start of her second life, where love rather than science guides care. Mary watches with longing as the cat's mind lingers elsewhere.

The townspeople lose faith in MacDhui's compassion and begin bringing their sick pets to Lori. MacDhui goes to confront Lori, seeking to reclaim his practice, but the moment reveals they complement each other rather than clash. They realize they hold different pieces of healing.

Together, they save a badly injured badger whose leg is trapped, proving that science and sympathy can work in tandem. The successful rescue cements their professional alliance and deepens their personal bond. The pair begin to see a future where both care and skill are valued.

As Thomasina's memory slowly returns, she senses something important she cannot name. She remembers the route home but does not recognize Mary, who chases her into a rainstorm. The confusion tests their fragile relationships while hinting at a deeper reconciliation.

Mary contracts pneumonia during the rainstorm, and MacDhui finds her struggling in the rain. The crisis forces him to re-evaluate his priorities and deepens his desire to heal both child and animal. Lori's presence offers new hope for them all.

A Romani traveling circus sets up camp in town, and MacDhui and Lori discover abuse of performing animals. Their quest for justice leads to a confrontation, a fire, and the police arresting the proprietors. The event catalyzes changes in the community and in the two main characters.

In a moment of desperation, MacDhui prays for the first time in four years, asking God to cure Mary. The prayer signals a turning point in his spiritual life and in his relationship with Lori. The family senses a new sense of hope.

A lightning bolt strikes a tree in the glen near Thomasina, triggering a sudden return of her memories. The cat makes her way back toward the MacDhui home with renewed purpose. The event marks the turning point toward the family’s reunion.

Thomasina returns to the MacDhui home, and MacDhui places her in Mary's arms, reigniting Mary's will to live and her love for her father. Lori's love has changed him, and the two of them marry, forming a new veterinary team. The film closes with the family together, united by compassion and faith.