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!

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Timeline & Setting – What They Had (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of What They Had (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present Day

The events unfold in the present day, capturing contemporary issues such as Alzheimer's care, family dynamics, and the pressures of modern relationships. This time period highlights the ongoing struggles families face when dealing with aging parents and the complexities of their personal lives.

Location

Hometown, Assisted Living Facility, Tavern

The movie takes place in a hometown that represents the past and family ties. It features an assisted living facility known for its compassionate care, symbolizing the need for support among aging individuals. A local tavern serves as a backdrop for pivotal family discussions and moments of reconciliation.

🏠 Hometown 🏥 Assisted Living 🍺 Tavern

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Main Characters – What They Had (2018)

Meet the key characters of What They Had (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ruth Everhardt

Ruth is a loving mother battling Alzheimer's disease, which puts a strain on her family. Despite her struggles with memory loss, she still embodies warmth and love, drawing her family together during trying times. Her journey highlights both vulnerability and resilience as she navigates her new reality.

👵 Elderly 🕊️ Vulnerability ❤️ Family

Bridget Ertz

Bridget is Ruth's determined daughter who returns home to confront her family's challenges. She struggles with her own life as a mother and wife, juggling the pressures of familial obligations while trying to mend her estranged relationships. Her character arc showcases growth and a longing for connection.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family 🤝 Reconciliation 😓 Struggle

Nick

Nick, played by Michael Shannon, is Bridget's brother, deeply invested in ensuring the best care for their mother. He embodies a sense of responsibility but also grapples with frustration towards his father's refusal to accept help. His character reflects the conflict between familial duty and personal emotions.

👨‍👧‍👦 Responsibility 🔥 Frustration 💔 Conflict

Eddie

Eddie, Bridget's husband, represents an aspect of her life that is troubled and unfulfilled. Their strained relationship adds to Bridget's internal conflict, as she navigates not only her mother's situation but her own discontent. His presence signifies the complexities of adult relationships.

🤷‍♂️ Relationship 😔 Discontent 💤 Strain

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Major Themes – What They Had (2018)

Explore the central themes of What They Had (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Alzheimer's

The film poignantly addresses the impact of Alzheimer's on families, exploring themes of memory loss and the emotional burden it places on caregivers. It reveals the challenges faced by both the loved ones suffering from the disease and their families as they navigate difficult decisions about care.

💔 Family Struggles

At the heart of the story is the struggle of a family grappling with aging parents and the responsibilities that come with it. Relationships are tested as siblings clash over decisions, revealing deep-seated frustrations and the ongoing need for understanding and connection.

🌨️ Change

The narrative embodies the theme of change, as the family must confront the transition into assisted care for their matriarch. It reflects on how change is often met with resistance but ultimately leads to a necessary acceptance for the well-being of their loved ones.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

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 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of What They Had, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

What They Had Summary

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

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

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