The film revolves around the lives of the three Lisbon sisters: Georgia (played by Diane Keaton), Eve (played by Meg Ryan), and Maddy (played by Lisa Kudrow). Georgia is a successful magazine editor, Eve is a struggling actress, and Maddy is a stay-at-home mom with two young children.
The sisters are faced with the decline of their father, Lou (played by Walter Matthau), who is suffering from dementia and various health issues. As Lou’s condition worsens, the sisters must come together to make decisions about his care and well-being.
Despite their love for their father, the sisters struggle to cope with the demands of caregiving while also dealing with their own personal and professional challenges. Georgia is overwhelmed with work and trying to maintain her high-powered career, Eve is grappling with her failed acting career and strained relationship with her teenage daughter, and Maddy is feeling suffocated by the demands of motherhood and marriage.
As the sisters navigate the complexities of their relationships with their father and each other, they are forced to confront long-buried resentments and unresolved issues from their past. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day interactions, the film explores the bonds of sisterhood and the complexities of family dynamics.
In the end, Lou passes away, and the sisters must come to terms with his death and the impact it has on their lives. Despite their differences and disagreements, they find strength in their shared experiences and memories of their father.
“Hanging Up” is a heartfelt and poignant exploration of family, aging, and the challenges of caregiving. With its blend of humor and drama, the film offers a touching portrayal of the ups and downs of sisterhood and the importance of love and forgiveness in the face of life’s challenges.