Bonneville (2006)

Grief-stricken Arvilla Holden finds herself on an emotional rollercoaster following her loving husband Joe's death. Her sorrow is deepened by the confrontations with Joe's adult daughter, Francine Packer. Arvilla and Joe, residents of Pocatello, Idaho, and adventurers at heart, shared a vibrant two-decade-long marriage, exploring the world together. Joe's roots, however, lay in sunny Santa Barbara, California, where Francine and the extended Holden family still reside. Arvilla is convinced Joe penned a fresh will after their marriage, one that honored their shared desires. Yet its absence means the only legally binding will is the one Francine holds, one that Arvilla believes contradicts Joe's final wishes. It mandates that Joe's embalmed body be interred beside Francine's mother in Santa Barbara, a stark contradiction to Joe's desire to have his ashes scattered freely. Moreover, it bequeaths their marital home to Francine, threatening to rob Arvilla of both her residence and the haven of cherished memories. Francine proposes a compromise: the house in return for Joe's ashes. With a heavy heart, Arvilla concedes. She plans to travel with her two closest friends, the carefree singleton Margene Cunningham, and the 'model' mother Carol Brimm, both devout Mormons, to Santa Barbara for the memorial service. The trio's journey begins with a short trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, from where they plan to fly to California. However, Arvilla, at the wheel of Joe's vintage Pontiac Bonneville, steers them on an unexpected road trip through the places she and Joe held dear. As they journey towards Santa Barbara, Arvilla grapples with her decision regarding Francine's proposition. Her companionship with Margene and Carol, and the encounters they share with intriguing individuals like Bo, a young man in search of his estranged father, and Emmett, a friendly long-haul trucker, influence her contemplation. This journey, thus, transforms into a poignant exploration of Arvilla's grief, her memories, and her future.

Bonneville is a comedy movie featuring Tom Wopat and directed by Christopher N. Rowley.

Bonneville is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Bonneville on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.