Uncle Frank

In the sweltering summer of 1969, fourteen-year-old Betty Bledsoe finds solace in the visits from her Uncle Frank. Unlike the rest of her family, he treats her with respect and engages her in witty banter, providing a refreshing contrast to her mundane life in Creekville, South Carolina.

During their time together, Uncle Frank encourages Betty to dream of a brighter future outside of Creekville. He gifts her a new identity by renaming her Beth, a name that embodies her ambitions for academic success and independence.

Fast forward to 1973, Beth is ready to embark on her collegiate journey in New York City. She travels with her parents, but their dinner visit to Frank reveals tensions due to his concealed relationship with Charlotte, a Jewish woman.

On her first days at college, Beth and her classmate Bruce try to visit Uncle Frank. However, they find him preoccupied with preparations for a party, and they encounter Wally, who shows genuine interest in Beth's stories, hinting at a deeper connection.

As their relationship develops, Beth soon discovers Bruce's deceptive nature, which leads to a growing rift between him and Frank. During this time, Frank discusses his complicated connection with Wally, exposing the hidden layers of his personal life.

Frank and Beth receive the sad news about Daddy Mac's death, prompting a return to Creekville for the funeral. Wally, feeling the emotional weight of the situation, chooses to accompany them, hoping to bridge the growing distance with Frank.

As they travel back to Creekville, deep conversations unravel, revealing secrets from Frank's past. Tensions arise as Frank becomes aware of a car seemingly following them, and worries about the repercussions of his relationship with Wally.

Upon their return, Frank faces judgmental stares from the townsfolk, marking the stark contrast between his life in New York and the conservative values of his hometown. He shares a private moment with Wally, expressing reluctance to reveal their relationship publicly.

At the funeral, Mike's heartfelt apology for lost connections triggers Frank's spiral into self-destruction. Consumed with grief and fear of rejection, he takes refuge in the restroom while family dynamics begin to unravel over the reading of Daddy Mac's will.

Haunted by memories of loss, Frank drives recklessly through the woods, replaying hurtful words from his father in his mind. A note from his deceased friend, Sam, heightens his turmoil, leading him back to a tragic lake from his past.

As Beth and Wally search anxiously for Frank, they find his belongings by the dock, fearing for his safety. When Frank suddenly reappears, tensions escalate to a physical confrontation between him and Wally, finally revealing the depth of Frank's internal struggles.

After the confrontation, Frank seeks solace at Sam's grave, lamenting the unresolved pain in his life. Wally's unexpected arrival offers a brief moment of comfort and stability, as Frank expresses feelings of isolation and despair.

When Beth arrives, she echoes Frank's earlier wisdom about authenticity, highlighting his struggle to accept himself. This pivotal moment reinforces their bond, showcasing the importance of familial support amid personal turmoil.

Despite the chaos, the support from Mammaw and Wally guides Frank towards healing, illustrating that love can overcome even the darkest moments. This poignant conclusion emphasizes the enduring power of human connection in the face of life's challenges.