You Can Count on Me

Sam Larson is a single mother living in a small town in the rural part of New York. Her life is structured around her job as a bank teller and her devotion to her eight-year-old son, Rudy. She has also taken on the responsibility of raising her younger brother, Terry, who has been incarcerated multiple times due to his reckless and impulsive behavior. After serving a prison sentence, Terry returns to his hometown in search of a fresh start, but his arrival proves to be a disruption to Sam and Rudy's tranquil life. At first, Sam tries to maintain a sense of normalcy by sticking to her routine, but it soon becomes evident that her brother's presence has an impact on her son. Rudy becomes fascinated with Terry's tales of the "wild west" of New York City and his various exploits. Although Sam is aware of her brother's questionable character, she finds herself torn between her feelings of loyalty and her desire to keep her son safe. As a result, she is forced to strike a delicate balance between accommodating Terry's needs and protecting her child from his negative influence. Terry's presence also affects Sam's relationships with her family and friends. Her estranged father, Leo, is a bitter and dislikable character who resents Sam for taking on the responsibility of caring for her brother. He sees Terry as a constant reminder of his failures as a father and is unwilling to help Sam with her childcare or her brother's upkeep. This further strains Sam's relationships with her loved ones and makes her feel isolated and unsupported. One of the primary conflicts in the movie revolves around Terry's employment and housing situation. He finds work at a local convenience store but struggles to hold down a job due to his lack of discipline and motivation. His apartment is also in disarray, with stacks of unpaid bills and a general lack of cleanliness. This creates tension between Sam and Terry, with Sam constantly finding herself at odds with her brother over his financial responsibilities. She tries to set him straight and teach him the value of hard work and thriftiness, but her efforts are ultimately met with resistance. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Terry's return to town has also put a strain on his relationship with his family, particularly his younger brother, Rudy. Although Rudy initially looks up to Terry as a role model, he begins to see his brother in a different light as the weeks go by. He becomes disillusioned with Terry's lack of responsibility and his tendency to make empty promises. This rift between the two brothers serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges of family relationships. Despite the difficulties created by Terry's presence, the movie ultimately presents a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of family dynamics. The characters are expertly developed, with each one showcasing a unique set of flaws and weaknesses. Sam is a strong-willed and responsible individual, but she also struggles with feelings of guilt and empathy towards her brother. Terry is a charismatic but troubled individual, and Rudy is a precocious and sensitive child who is caught in the middle. The movie culminates with a series of dramatic events that force Sam and Terry to confront their feelings towards each other. Sam's bank is robbed, and in the aftermath, she discovers that Terry may have been involved in the crime. Feeling betrayed and hurt, Sam turns to her estranged father for support, ultimately reconciling with him and beginning the process of healing her family's emotional wounds. Overall, "You Can Count on Me" is a powerful and moving drama that explores the complexities and challenges of family relationships. The film's characters are richly drawn and multidimensional, and the storyline is both poignant and authentic.