What They Had

What They Had

Year: 2018

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Elizabeth Chomko

Drama

During a Chicago blizzard, Bridget returns home to care for her mother, who is struggling with health issues. Bringing her daughter with her, Bridget is confronted with complicated family dynamics and old resentments between her and her brother. They must grapple with difficult choices about their mother’s care and the legacy of their shared past, balancing the desire to hold onto cherished memories with the need to plan for the future.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen What They Had yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

What They Had (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of What They Had (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

When Ruth Everhardt, portrayed by Blythe Danner, suffers from Alzheimer’s and wanders out into the cold streets during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, her daughter Bridget Ertz, played by Hilary Swank, is compelled to return to her hometown. Together with her brother Nick, brought to life by Michael Shannon, they must confront their aging father Norbert about finding a suitable nursing home for Ruth, as the family faces the inevitable conclusion of their shared life journey.

Upon Ruth’s return home with her family, conversations unfold regarding her future. Although Nick has arranged for an opening at a top-notch assisted living facility in Chicago, Norbert stubbornly insists that he can take care of Ruth on his own. This tension escalates when Nick seeks Bridget’s support, but having distanced herself from her family over the years adds to her struggle to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, Bridget grapples with her own pressing challenges—her relationship with her husband Eddie, portrayed by Josh Lucas, has never flourished, and their daughter Emma, played by Taissa Farmiga, is battling anxiety that has led her to withdraw from college. As Nicky continues to clash with Norbert over what’s best for Ruth, he ultimately storms out in frustration. In a poignant moment, Bridget shares her thoughts about her father’s grip on her life, just as they discover that Ruth has gone missing again. Thankfully, she is located swiftly, prompting Norbert to come to the realization that Ruth needs to transition to the assisted care facility.

In an effort to mend their relationship, Norbert visits Nicky at his tavern, setting the stage for a heartfelt reconciliation. Tragically, shortly after, Norbert succumbs to a heart attack, leaving Nicky reeling from the loss. As Bridget spends time with Ruth at the care facility, she witnesses the compassionate care Ruth receives, ultimately leaving the facility feeling a serene sense of peace as she sees Ruth smiling contentedly.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:54

Unlock the Full Story of What They Had

Don't stop at just watching — explore What They Had in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what What They Had is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

What They Had Timeline

Track the full timeline of What They Had with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

What They Had Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in What They Had

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape What They Had. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in What They Had

More About What They Had

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about What They Had: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About What They Had

Similar Movies to What They Had

Discover movies like What They Had that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.