Ordinary People (1980)

In the tranquil suburbia of Chicago, the Jarrett family grapples with the devastating aftermath of a tragic boating accident that claimed the life of Buck, the elder of two teenage siblings. The family - Calvin, Beth, and their surviving son Conrad - are ensnared in a tumultuous whirlpool of grief, guilt, and a desperate need to return to normalcy. This tragedy has left behind more than just a void; it has unraveled the frail threads holding the family together. Conrad Jarrett, once a vibrant teenager, is now a shadow of his former self. Overcome by guilt and haunted by the loss of his brother and best friend, Conrad's life spirals into a dark abyss, culminating in a suicide attempt. Resurfacing from a four-month-long hospitalization, he seeks solace in his familiar high school routine, diving back into his beloved swim team and choir. Yet beneath this facade of normality, Conrad's inner turmoil continues unabated. Beth Jarrett, a mother trapped in the throes of her own grief, struggles to support her remaining son. Her palpable preference for her deceased son Buck amplifies Conrad's guilt and despair. Calvin, the family's cornerstone, finds himself ensnared in a delicate balancing act, striving to keep his fractured family from falling apart completely. In a desperate attempt to make sense of their collective unhappiness, Conrad recommences his psychiatric therapy with Dr. Berger. What unfolds is an emotional journey that compels each member of the Jarrett family to confront their inner demons, reassess their relationships, and question the dynamics that define their existence. The film, Ordinary People, is a poignant exploration of a family's struggle with loss, guilt, and the arduous journey towards healing.

Ordinary People is a drama movie featuring Timothy Hutton and directed by Robert Redford.

Ordinary People is currently streaming on CBS, Max Amazon Channel and Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel .

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