You Can Count on Me

Sammy and Terry Prescott experience a devastating tragedy when their parents are killed in a car accident. This moment profoundly impacts their childhood, defining their paths for years to come.

Years after the tragedy, Sammy has become a single mother and a bank lending officer. She lives in her childhood home in the Catskill Mountains of New York, trying to build a stable life for herself and her son, Rudy.

Terry, having drifted across the country, struggles with numerous challenges and conflicts in his life. After a long silence, he decides to reach out to his sister, Sammy, in a moment of financial need.

Terry visits Sammy with his girlfriend, Sheila, after striving through his struggles. The reunion is a mix of excitement and disappointment, particularly when Sammy learns of Terry's recent incarceration.

Despite her initial shock regarding Terry's past, Sammy chooses to show compassion and lends him the money he needs. Terry sends the money back to Sheila, but tragedy strikes when Sheila attempts suicide, prompting Terry to stay longer with Sammy.

Rudy is given a writing assignment at school that leads him to imagine his father as a heroic figure. Sammy, however, has always shared a more negative outlook on Rudy's father, complicating the boy's perception.

In a moment of honesty, Terry reveals to Rudy the truth about his father being a poor role model. This revelation creates tension as Rudy struggles to reconcile this new reality with his idealized view of his dad.

Sammy rekindles an old romance with her ex-boyfriend, Bob, who eventually proposes to her. This newfound relationship forces Sammy to confront her feelings about her family's past and her future prospects.

At her bank job, Sammy faces increasing friction with her new manager, Brian, who imposes unconventional demands. Their professional tension eventually evolves into an affair, complicating her already tumultuous life.

As Terry spends more time with Rudy, their bond strengthens, and Terry tests Sammy's parenting boundaries. This sometimes leads to conflicts, especially when Rudy is kept out late for bar outings.

Recognizing the need for help, Sammy confides in her church minister, Ron, about Terry's influence on Rudy. This conversation prompts her to reflect on her brother’s choices and her role as a parent.

In an attempt to seek closure, Terry and Rudy confront Rudy Sr. in a trailer park. However, the confrontation escalates into violence, resulting in Terry's arrest as he defends himself against his father's denial.

After Terry's arrest, Sammy discusses their family's complex dynamics with Rudy. This important conversation leads Rudy to assert that Rudy Sr. isn't his true father, prompting Sammy to re-evaluate her decisions.

As the time comes for Terry to move on, Sammy acknowledges that it's time for him to find his own path. After some initial hesitation, Terry decides to pack up and head to Alaska, marking the end of a significant chapter for both.

Before embarking on his new journey, Terry and Sammy share a heartfelt moment of reconciliation. They accept the painful truths of their lives while cherishing the growth they’ve experienced as siblings.