What They Had (2018)

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In the ending of "What They Had," Bridget returns home to confront her family's struggles with her mother's Alzheimer's disease. After a heated argument with her brother, she ultimately decides to stay and help care for their mother, while her father, who has been struggling to cope, begins to accept the reality of their situation.

As the film concludes, Bridget's commitment to her family deepens, and she finds a sense of purpose in supporting her mother and father through their challenges.

As the film approaches its conclusion, the tension within the family reaches a boiling point. Bridget, played by Hilary Swank, has returned to her childhood home in Chicago to help her aging parents, Ruth and Burt, portrayed by Blythe Danner and Robert Forster, respectively. Ruth's Alzheimer's disease has progressed, and the family is grappling with the emotional and practical implications of her condition.

In a pivotal scene, Bridget confronts her brother, Nick, played by Michael Shannon, about their differing approaches to their mother's care. Nick is frustrated and feels overwhelmed, believing that their father is not doing enough to support their mother. Bridget, on the other hand, is torn between her responsibilities and her desire to escape the emotional weight of the situation. The argument escalates, revealing deep-seated resentments and fears about their mother's decline and their father's inability to cope.

After the confrontation, Bridget takes a moment to reflect on her family's struggles. She watches her mother, who is lost in her own world, and feels a surge of compassion mixed with despair. This moment of clarity prompts Bridget to reconsider her priorities. She realizes that her family needs her, and she cannot turn her back on them in their time of need.

In the final scenes, Bridget makes the decision to stay and help care for her mother. She embraces her role as a caregiver, understanding that this is where she can make a difference. Meanwhile, Burt, who has been in denial about Ruth's condition, begins to show signs of acceptance. He acknowledges the reality of their situation and starts to engage more actively in caring for Ruth, demonstrating a shift in his emotional state.

The film closes with a poignant moment between Bridget and her mother. Bridget sits with Ruth, who may not fully recognize her, but there is a sense of connection and love that transcends the disease. Bridget's commitment to her family solidifies, and she finds a renewed sense of purpose in the face of their challenges.

As the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of hope amidst the struggle, highlighting the importance of family bonds and the resilience required to navigate the complexities of caregiving and loss. Each character's fate is intertwined with the acceptance of their circumstances, and Bridget's choice to stay signifies a commitment to love and support, even in the face of uncertainty.

The movie "What They Had," produced in 2018, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes its narrative without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The story focuses on the emotional struggles of a family dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's disease, particularly through the lens of Bridget, played by Hilary Swank, as she navigates her mother's declining health and the complexities of family dynamics. The film wraps up its themes of love, loss, and the challenges of caregiving, leaving the audience with a poignant reflection on the characters' journeys rather than a continuation of the story in a post-credit sequence.

The family home serves as a central symbol in 'What They Had,' representing both the past and the emotional ties that bind the family together. It is where the family gathers to confront their mother's Alzheimer's disease, and it evokes memories of happier times. The home becomes a battleground for the siblings, Bridget and Nick, as they navigate their differing perspectives on their mother's care and the future of the house.

Bridget's relationship with her mother, Ruth, is complex and fraught with tension. Initially, Bridget feels overwhelmed by her mother's condition and the responsibility of caring for her. As the story progresses, Bridget's understanding deepens, and she begins to confront her own feelings of guilt and frustration. The emotional climax occurs when Bridget realizes that her mother still has moments of clarity, leading to poignant interactions that highlight their bond despite the disease.

Nick, Bridget's brother, plays a crucial role in the family dynamics as he represents a more pragmatic approach to their mother's illness. He is often seen as the voice of reason, advocating for a nursing home as the best solution for their mother's care. However, his decisions create conflict with Bridget, who is more emotionally invested in keeping their mother at home. Nick's motivations stem from a desire to protect his family, but his actions also reveal his struggles with acceptance and grief.

The film poignantly illustrates the impact of Alzheimer's on family relationships through the lens of the Hadley family. As Ruth's condition deteriorates, the siblings' differing coping mechanisms lead to tension and conflict. Bridget's emotional turmoil contrasts with Nick's more detached approach, showcasing how the disease forces them to confront unresolved issues from their past. The film captures the heartache and frustration that come with watching a loved one fade away, ultimately highlighting the need for compassion and understanding among family members.

Burt, the father of Bridget and Nick, serves as a grounding presence in the film, embodying the struggle of a caregiver facing the challenges of his wife's Alzheimer's. His character reflects the emotional toll that the disease takes on family members, as he grapples with feelings of helplessness and sorrow. Burt's interactions with Ruth reveal a deep love and commitment, but also a sense of loss as he navigates the changes in their relationship. His character adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the complexities of love and loyalty in the face of illness.

"What They Had" is a drama that deals with heavy themes surrounding family dynamics, aging, and illness, which may not be suitable for younger audiences or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Alzheimer's Disease: The film centers around a mother suffering from Alzheimer's, which can be distressing to watch as it portrays the emotional toll of memory loss on both the individual and their family.

2. Family Conflict: There are intense emotional confrontations among family members, highlighting deep-seated issues and unresolved tensions that can be uncomfortable.

3. Death and Loss: The film touches on themes of mortality and the impact of losing a loved one, which may evoke strong feelings of sadness.

4. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional pain, including feelings of helplessness, frustration, and grief, which may be upsetting for some viewers.

5. Depictions of Caregiving: The challenges and struggles of caregiving for someone with a debilitating illness are portrayed realistically, which can be heavy and emotionally charged.

Overall, while the film offers a poignant exploration of family and love, its themes and emotional weight may not be appropriate for children or those who are sensitive to such topics.