The More Love Grows

The film opens with Helen and Paul Stevens taking their daughter, Aly, to her freshman year of college. While Helen is focused on the emotional milestone, Paul is constantly distracted by work calls. Shortly after returning to their empty nest, Paul shocks Helen by announcing he wants a separation and is moving to Denver, claiming they have grown apart. Helen is devastated and initially tries to win him back following her mother's traditional advice, but Paul remains distant and eventually serves her with separation papers. During this time, a senior stray dog begins appearing in Helen's yard. Despite not being a 'dog person,' Helen takes him in and names him Elmer. This leads her to meet Ben, a local veterinarian and fellow single parent whose son also recently left for college. Helen's journey of self-discovery is aided by a new friend, Cindy, a punk-rock musician who encourages Helen to 'take her power back.' Helen begins learning home maintenance, changes her own car oil, and returns to her passion for technical and fine art illustration. A major turning point occurs when Elmer accidentally eats a chocolate cake; the emergency visit to Ben's clinic solidifies the bond between Helen and Ben, who discover a shared love for the book 'Oliver Twist.' Meanwhile, Aly struggles with her pre-med workload and the secret of her parents' split. At a mediation session intended to finalize their separation, Paul has a change of heart and asks Helen to reconcile, admitting he was wrong to leave. However, Helen realizes she has grown into a stronger, more independent version of herself and tells Paul she cannot go backward. The film concludes with Helen and Ben deciding to pursue a relationship 'very slowly,' while Aly gets her academic life back on track and Helen finds success as a children's book illustrator inspired by Elmer.