Lingering tells the story of Ava, a young woman in her mid-twenties, who is living at home incapable of moving on to the next chapter of her life. Over a long weekend with her sister Nicole and mother Dee, Ava learns to see beyond herself for a sense of direction. 

After a devastating injury destroys her gymnastics career, Ava feels lost and depressed, spending most of her time drinking herself numb. Then Dee surprises Ava by flying her sister Nicole home. Feelings of jealousy, competition, and unresolved anger bubble to the surface. Ava immediately thinks Dee brought Nicole home for an intervention.

The family spends the entire weekend bickering and pushing each other’s buttons until Dee has finally had enough. She confesses the real reason she flew Nicole home: to tell her daughters together that she has cancer. After that emotional bombshell, Ava takes the first step toward mending her relationship with Nicole as they come together to support Dee. 

There is a period in our mid-twenties when the rulebook is completely thrown out the window. Suddenly we are on our own, looking for jobs, trying to provide for ourselves, maybe our parents are guiding us and maybe they aren’t; it is a very stressful time for young women. Especially in today’s political climate where the very definition of what it means to be a “young woman” is rapidly changing. And this time becomes even more stressful with the presence of trauma. 

Writer/Director Sarah J. Sommers understands this trauma. When Sarah graduated from college, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Sarah’s life blew up. Seeing the strongest woman she knew at her weakest while remaining a strong support system was the most emotionally difficult thing Sarah has ever done. Luckily, Sarah’s mom beat cancer! Yay! Three years later, Sarah is committed and excited to share this story with the world and hopes that other people in similar situations will find it inspiring and comforting.

This film is important to our team because at its core Lingering is about strength and community. Without a community around us, traumas and obstacles of any kind are incredibly difficult to overcome. But having a community and support, especially within the family unit, can save you. This is why we chose to crowdfund this film. When we all come together we can make incredible things! 

When watching Lingering you should feel like you are sitting at the kitchen table with Ava, Nicole, and Dee. We are aiming for a natural, soft, almost voyeuristic feel. That means natural lighting, simple costumes, heavy production design authentic to the world of these women, and incredible acting by our wonderful actresses. Similar to what you would see in Like Crazy, Lady Bird, Fleabag or The Florida Project. 

Thank you for all your generous contributions, follows, shares and likes!! We greatly appreciate your support. We are so glad you have decided to join us on this journey to make Lingering!