Dear Frankie is a heartwarming drama film that follows the story of a young boy named Frankie and his mother Lizzie. Frankie is deaf and has never met his father, who Lizzie claims is away at sea on the HMS Accra. In reality, Lizzie has fled from an abusive relationship with Frankie's father and has been on the move ever since.
As they settle in a new seaside town in Scotland, Frankie becomes excited to learn that the HMS Accra is due to dock in their hometown. Lizzie realizes that she cannot keep up the charade for much longer and must come up with a plan to protect Frankie from the truth.
Desperate to give Frankie the experience of meeting his father, Lizzie devises a plan to hire a stranger to play the role of his father for a single day. She tracks down a man named Davey, who agrees to help her in exchange for money. Davey meets Frankie and quickly develops a bond with the young boy.
As the day progresses, Lizzie becomes conflicted about the lies she has told and the risks she has taken to protect Frankie. The emotional weight of the situation becomes too much for her to bear, and she reveals the truth to Davey.
The film ends with a beautifully shot scene of Lizzie and Frankie sitting on the beach, watching the real HMS Accra sail away. They are surrounded by strangers who have become friends, a poignant reminder that sometimes family is not just blood but those who care for and support us.