What They Had

In the heart of a small Midwestern town, “What They Had” focuses on the intricate dynamics of family bonds, love, and memory loss. The compelling story centers around Bridget, a fiercely independent woman in her late 30s, who is called back home when her aging father, Harry, suffers a fall. As she navigates the complexities of her childhood home, Bridget is starkly reminded of her mother, Ruth, who is in the throes of Alzheimer’s disease and has begun to slip away from the family in disconcerting ways.

Bridget’s return conjures a flood of memories—of joyful moments at the family diner where her parents built a life together, and of more painful ones, marked by her strained relationship with her brother, Nick, who has taken on the role of caring for their mother. As Bridget steps back into the role of daughter and sister, tensions rise. Nick’s dedication to their mother contrasts sharply with Bridget’s desire to reclaim her own life and career, sparking old rivalries and unresolved conflicts.

The film artfully weaves through themes of love and loss, exploring what it means to truly “remember.” As the siblings clash over their differing perspectives on caregiving and responsibility, they are forced to confront not only their own resentments but also the deep-rooted love that initially tied them together. With their mother’s condition deteriorating, they must grapple with the reality of loss before she disappears from their lives entirely.

Against a backdrop of poignant family gatherings and moments of quiet intimacy, “What They Had” showcases the strength found in vulnerability. Bridget learns to embrace the complexities of her family, discovering that in the face of memory’s fragility, it is the love they have shared that endures. As the characters struggle to find common ground, they ultimately redefine what it means to hold on and let go, creating a moving narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced the bittersweet realities of family life. Each moment of laughter and sorrow underscores the film’s central question: what can we truly hold onto when everything we cherish begins to slip away?