Drama   United States of America

In the movie Wakefield, based on a short story by E.L. Doctorow, Howard Wakefield (played by Bryan Cranston) is a successful New York City lawyer who experiences a midlife crisis and suffers a nervous breakdown. One evening, after a particularly stressful day at work, he arrives home to find a power outage in his neighborhood and decides not to inform his wife Diana (Jennifer Garner) and their twin daughters.

Overwhelmed by his feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction with his life, Howard impulsively retreats to the safety of his attic, which overlooks his house and provides him with a perfect vantage point to observe his family. Initially planning to take a short break from reality, Howard becomes captivated by his isolated refuge and decides to live in his attic for an extended period. While hidden in plain sight, he silently witnesses the triumphs and struggles of his family, who do not know his whereabouts.

As months pass, Howard scavenges for food in trash cans and meticulously keeps track of daily occurrences through an extensive journal. He watches his wife's emotional rollercoaster, as Diana doesn't know if Howard left willingly or is missing. Meanwhile, he observes his daughters' growth and their struggles to come to terms with their father's absence.

During his time in the attic, Howard becomes introspective; his isolation sparks self-reflection and self-discovery. He starts to question his societal expectations and the choices he has made in life. Haunted by regrets and consumed by guilt, Howard begins to wonder if he can ever reconnect with his family, knowing the choices he has made.

As his time in the attic continues, Howard becomes emotionally disconnected from his wife, pondering whether their relationship was genuine or merely the result of societal expectations. He wrestles internally with his deep love for his family, while simultaneously yearning for complete freedom from his responsibilities.

Eventually, circumstances outside of Howard's control force him to venture out of the attic and face the consequences of his choices. He must confront his wife and daughters, revealing the truth about his whereabouts and the inner turmoil that led him to such extreme measures. Wakefield explores themes of identity, love, and the human desire for freedom, while questioning the foundations of societal roles and expectations.
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