Adopt a Highway

The 2019 American drama film, marking the directorial debut of Logan Marshall-Green, follows the story of Russell Millings (Ethan Hawke), a middle-aged man released after serving 21 years in prison for marijuana possession. Confronted with a world that has drastically changed, he secures a job at a burger restaurant and attempts to rebuild his life. One night, while closing the restaurant, he discovers an abandoned baby named Ella in a dumpster. Russell decides to care for her, sharing stories about his father's stamp-collecting hobby. However, when Ella is injured, he takes her to a clinic, leading to her being taken by social services and Russell being questioned by the police. After losing Ella, he travels to Casper, Wyoming, to visit his father's grave. There, he opens a safety deposit box left by his father, containing a heartfelt letter and a valuable stamp collection, including the rare "Tyrian plum." He also finds a storage unit with his father's belongings. Returning to Los Angeles, Russell visits Family & Child Services to check on Ella and provides them with documents for a trust fund he has established for her 18th birthday. The film concludes with Russell purchasing a bus ticket, smiling at the possibilities that lie ahead.