Driveways is a 2019 American drama film directed by Andrew Ahn and starring Hong Chau, Lucas Jaye, and Brian Dennehy. The film revolves around the character of Cody, an eight-year-old boy who is spending his summer in a new town with his mother, Kathy. Cody struggles to make friends in the neighborhood, but he soon develops a close bond with Del, his isolated and curmudgeonly next-door neighbor.
Del, played by Brian Dennehy in one of his final film roles, is a Korean War veteran who has turned his front yard into a virtual junkyard. Despite his gruff exterior and initial resistance to Cody's overtures, Del begins to open up to the young boy, sharing stories about his past and imparting life lessons along the way. Meanwhile, Kathy is struggling to cope with the aftermath of her sister's death, which has left her feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from her son.
As the summer progresses, Cody and Del become inseparable, with the boy helping the old man clean up his yard and Del teaching Cody how to play poker. However, the relationship between the two becomes strained when Cody learns that Del is ill and may not be around for much longer. In the end, Del passes away, but his legacy lives on through the impact that he had on Cody's life.
Driveways is a heartfelt and poignant film that explores themes of loneliness, grief, and human connection. It was praised by critics for its authentic portrayal of intergenerational friendship and the performances of its lead actors. Dennehy, in particular, was lauded for his nuanced and affecting portrayal of Del, which is widely regarded as one of the best performances of his distinguished career.
