A Gift of Miracles

The film follows Darcy Miller, a PhD candidate in microbiology who lives her life by logic and data. Her mentor, Dr. Reed, rejects her grant proposal for being too clinical, ordering her to work with Nathan Riley, a creative writing professor. Nathan is Darcy's polar opposite, believing in 'the universe,' destiny, and emotional expression. Their initial meetings are contentious, as Darcy dismisses Nathan's interest in science fiction and horoscopes as irrational. After a storm breaks a window in her father Frank's attic, Darcy finds a list written by her mother, Marianne, who died in a car accident when Darcy was only one year old. The list contains four names and four items: a vase, champagne glasses, antique chairs, and a recipe book. Nathan suggests that completing this list will help Darcy find the 'feeling' her writing lacks. As they deliver the items, Darcy experiences a series of 'miracles.' The first recipient, Elaine, reveals that peonies Marianne loved have suddenly bloomed for the first time in decades just as Darcy arrived. Delivering the recipe book to Aunt Kathy leads to a meeting with Mike, a man who was once babysat by Marianne. The search for the champagne glasses leads to a literal stall in their journey; Nathan’s car breaks down exactly in front of Molly Dixon, the woman on the list. Molly shares that Marianne’s greatest dream was simply for Darcy to be happy. The final item, the antique chairs, leads them to Beverly, who now lives in the house of the intended recipient. In a heavy emotional turn, Beverly reveals that her son was the drunk driver who killed Marianne. This revelation causes Darcy to retreat into her shell, overwhelmed by the 'randomness' of the tragedy. However, her father Frank finally opens up, confessing that he has spent years blaming himself because he didn't answer Marianne's final phone call on the night of the accident. Realizing that her mother's list led her to Beverly so they could both find forgiveness, Darcy reconciles with Nathan. She successfully rewrites her proposal, earns her doctorate, and discovers that her mother's old garden—which she now owns—is the very place where she and Nathan can start their future together.