Down to the Bone (2004)

In the harsh winter of upstate New York, we find Irene, a working-class mother of two, grappling with the harsh realities of life. Her existence is a delicate balancing act between her roles as a mother, a wife in an uninspiring marriage, and a covert cocaine user. When her secret habit spirals out of control, she finds herself seeking refuge in a rehab program. Here, she encounters Bob, a compassionate nurse, who becomes a beacon of hope in her otherwise bleak life. As Irene returns to the mundanity of her life - to her husband, her job as a grocery checker, and later as a house cleaner alongside her friend Lucy, her connection with Bob remains steadfast. Subtle hints of a blossoming affair add a layer of complexity to her already tumultuous life. With the biting cold of winter serving as a relentless backdrop, her small town life collides with the constant temptations of her past. As the snow falls, so too does her carefully constructed façade. The question remains: can Irene navigate the treacherous waters of sobriety? And where does Bob, the nurse who has come to mean more than he should, fit into the picture? Down to the Bone paints an engrossing portrait of a woman teetering on the edge, caught between a desire for a better life and the magnetic pull of her addictions. It's a compelling exploration of human resilience amid life's unyielding challenges.

Down to the Bone is a drama movie featuring Vera Farmiga.

Down to the Bone is currently streaming on Kanopy.