Shelter is necessary, but when there are issues surrounding how to keep that shelter, it becomes a problem. Christine Lahti and Jeff Daniels, parents of two, are struggling to make ends meet already when they lose their apartment due to fire. Problems with family sends them in many different routes, from ten days of camping to the Pittsburgh shelter system, public housing and finally onto the streets. With Daniels having issues keeping a job and Lahti dealing with blackmailing lascivious security, their problems just continue to grow.
Dealing with threats of child welfare has Lahti (on her own after Daniels leaves to find work), Lahti is a shell of herself, breaking into her brother-in-law's apartment to find shelter. Impersonal strangers (especially cold hearted social workers) don't make things easy, but there's unexpected kindness from equally struggling people out of the blue, and the humiliation that Lahti feels when a stranger puts money in her hand without being asked. This shows the differences of people homeless for various reasons, from job issues to mental problems, and is a reminder that it can happen to anyone. Beautifully directed by Lee Grant, this is a touching drama both depressing and hopeful, and very well acted. Kathy Bates has a small role as the understanding sister-in-law.
Dealing with threats of child welfare has Lahti (on her own after Daniels leaves to find work), Lahti is a shell of herself, breaking into her brother-in-law's apartment to find shelter. Impersonal strangers (especially cold hearted social workers) don't make things easy, but there's unexpected kindness from equally struggling people out of the blue, and the humiliation that Lahti feels when a stranger puts money in her hand without being asked. This shows the differences of people homeless for various reasons, from job issues to mental problems, and is a reminder that it can happen to anyone. Beautifully directed by Lee Grant, this is a touching drama both depressing and hopeful, and very well acted. Kathy Bates has a small role as the understanding sister-in-law.