This is a story told in flashbacks. After his father’s (Hal) death, Oliver (son) reflects on their relationship. Many flashbacks are with the mother (Georgia) and son (wish there had been more of her in the story – she was interesting) and Oliver feels something is “off” in the marriage. After the mother’s death Hal has come out as openly gay and finds love, becoming part of an active group of gays. Oliver can see his father’s happiness, even after he is diagnosed with cancer. With several rocky romances behind him, Oliver meets a woman he likes at a party and plunges in, trusting his father’s example to be open to happiness.
There is a dog in this movie that steals the show. Oliver takes him home and introduces him to the house. “This is the dining room” etc. My mother used to tell our dog where we were going and when we’d be back.