Ironweed

An American drama film released in 1987, directed by Héctor Babenco and written by William Kennedy, adapted from his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Set in Albany, New York, during the Halloween of 1938, the story follows Francis Phelan (Jack Nicholson), a former baseball player who abandoned his family after accidentally dropping and killing his infant son. Haunted by guilt and visions of the dead, Francis leads a life of homelessness and alcoholism. He reunites with Helen Archer (Meryl Streep), a former singer who is also homeless and ill. Together, they navigate the harsh realities of street life, confronting societal indifference and their own personal demons. Francis attempts to reconcile with his estranged family but realizes that the past cannot be undone. The film was noted for its unflinching portrayal of marginalized individuals and received critical acclaim for the powerful performances of Nicholson and Streep, both earning Academy Award nominations for their roles.