The Upside of Anger

The film opens with a heart-wrenching funeral scene attended by Terry Wolfmeyer, her four daughters, and their friend Denny Davies. This somber gathering sets the tone for the emotional challenges that will unfold throughout the story, marking the end of one chapter in their lives.

Flash back three years, Terry and her daughters discover that their father, Grey, has abandoned them for his secretary in Sweden. This devastating revelation triggers a downward spiral for Terry, affecting her relationship with her daughters and leading to her reliance on alcohol as an escape.

As months pass, Terry's excessive drinking negatively impacts her health and deepens the rift between her and her daughters. The family's once-strong bond begins to deteriorate, leaving them all feeling isolated in their grief and frustration.

During her struggles, Terry meets Denny Davies, a former baseball player turned radio show host, who provides her unexpected support. Their friendship blossoms over shared habits of drinking, but it also raises eyebrows within the family, especially from her daughters.

Andy takes a job at Denny's radio station as a production assistant, where she meets Shep, Denny's producer. As Andy begins a romance with Shep, tensions rise within the household, especially with Terry, who is struggling with her own issues.

Amid the family turmoil, Popeye discovers that his crush, Gorden, is gay. Instead of feeling hurt by this revelation, they strengthen their bond, showcasing the importance of friendship and support during difficult times.

Emily, aspiring to be a professional ballet dancer, faces resistance from Terry, who prioritizes conventional education. After battling an eating disorder that lands her in the hospital, Emily ultimately chooses to pursue her passion at the University of Michigan, paving the way for a stronger connection with her mother.

Hadley shares her engagement to David, which ignites a furious reaction from Terry. The lack of communication between them leads to an uncomfortable lunch with David's parents, highlighting the growing tension and estrangement within the Wolfmeyer family.

When Popeye seeks Terry's advice about his feelings for Denny's mother, he is met with an explosive outburst. This confrontation prompts Denny to address Terry's behavior, leading to a pivotal moment where they both confront their emotions and family dynamics.

Following the earlier upheaval, Terry and Popeye begin to mend their strained relationship. Their reconciliation signifies a turning point as they learn to support each other through their differing challenges and life choices.

A real estate venture involving Terry and Denny leads to a shocking discovery of Grey Wolfmeyer's remains in an old well. This revelation forces Terry to reevaluate her understanding of Grey's departure, confronting the painful reality of his true fate.

The narrative returns to the funeral scene as the Wolfmeyer family, now including Denny, gathers to honor Grey's memory. This moment symbolizes their collective grief and the journey toward healing that each family member must undertake.

In a deeply emotional moment, Terry reflects on her past decisions and their impact on her relationship with her daughters. As they remember Grey, she begins to embrace acceptance, signaling a shift towards healing and hope for her family.

By the end of the film, despite the heartache and complexity of their relationships, Terry finds a renewed sense of inner peace. The Wolfmeyer family begins to see the potential for healing as they learn to navigate their connections with love and resilience.