Ironweed (1987)

In the gloaming of Albany, New York, on the haunting eve of Halloween, 1938, we encounter Francis Phelan and Helen Archer. Once proud citizens of this city, they now roam its streets as outcasts. Helen's voice once charmed radio listeners, while Francis was an esteemed pitcher in major league baseball. Today, they are submerged in a world where death is a constant companion. Helen battles her illness, their old friend is locked in a grim dance with cancer, and Francis, a grave-digger, frequently pays visits to the grave of his infant son, a memory that weights his heart with regret and guilt. Spectral reminders of Francis's past, including the ghosts of two men he killed, relentlessly pursue him. Their night is spent in a bar, where Helen, lost in nostalgia, attempts to reclaim her singing past. The following day, Francis confronts his own past, visiting his estranged wife and children, meeting a grandson he didn't know existed. The prospect of reconnection tempts him, but ultimately, he realizes this conventional life isn't his calling. Meanwhile, Helen retrieves their belongings from storage and secures a hotel room, creating a semblance of stability amidst their chaotic existence. Ironweed delves into their turbulent lives, exposing a code of survival, loyalty and fairness that emerges from the ashes of their mistakes and neglect. This film is a potent exploration of humanity, testing the boundaries of redemption and resilience.

Ironweed is a drama movie featuring Jack Nicholson.

Ironweed is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Hoopla.

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