Ithaca

A 2015 American drama directed in the USA by Meg Ryan, who also stars in the film. It is based on the 1943 novel "The Human Comedy" by William Saroyan. Set in 1942 in the fictional town of Ithaca, California, the story follows 14-year-old Homer Macauley (Alex Neustaedter), who, after the death of his father and his older brother Marcus (Jack Quaid) leaving to fight in World War II, takes on the responsibility of supporting his family by working as a bicycle telegraph messenger. His job involves delivering telegrams, often bearing tragic news of soldiers' deaths. Homer aspires to be the best messenger, confronting the harsh realities of war and growing up. His mother, Katie Macauley (Meg Ryan), struggles with the loss of her husband and caring for her children. The film also features Sam Shepard as telegraph operator Willie Grogan, Hamish Linklater as Tom Spangler, and Tom Hanks as Homer's deceased father, Matthew Macauley. The film explores themes of family, loss, coming of age, and hope during challenging times.​