Apartment 11C-D.

That morning, in her apartment at the Bohemia, Emily Longworth tries to get her children ready for school while avoiding her husband, Whit, who is in a foul mood. She reflects on their marriage, acknowledging that she ignored many warning signs about his character because she was dazzled by his immense wealth. She looks at an Edward Hopper painting in her entry gallery and recalls the day an unnamed man helped her acquire it, an event she identifies as the beginning of a significant chapter in her life.

Apartment 11C-D.

Emily continues to reflect on her past, remembering her precarious financial situation as a young art consultant in her twenties. She recalls her courtship with Whit, his relentless pursuit, and how his lifestyle—private planes, chauffeured cars—was both seductive and unsettling. Now, looking out her window at the Central Park view from the apartment she fought to buy, she remembers Whit exacting revenge for her decision. Her thoughts turn to the prenuptial agreement she signed. She wanted a morals clause, which would compensate her if Whit publicly humiliated her, but the lawyers determined that “humiliation” cannot be proven. At the time, the terms seemed generous, but now she sees that the $900,000 per year stipulated for her and her children is an impossible amount to live on.

Apartment 11C-D.

While waiting for her children, Hudson and Bitsy, Emily thinks about her extensive volunteer work, which includes both high-society fundraising and hands-on service at a food pantry called New Hope. A memory of Whit’s dismissive reaction to her work emphasizes her present-day hatred for him. She recalls a magazine feature on their lavish apartment that publicized their wealth and art collection, which delighted Whit but frightened Emily. Emily was disappointed that the article focused more on her clothing and décor than the carefully curated artwork with which she filled their home. The article led to a dinner with Whit’s business associate, Justin Pugh, a man with violent, extremist views. Emily remembers successfully pressuring Whit to sever ties with Pugh, an act that resulted in threats against their family.

Apartment 2A.

Julian Sonnenberg, an art gallerist living in apartment 2A, walks his elderly dog, Gilgamesh, in Central Park. An unfamiliar woman flirts with him, but Julian gets a call from his doctor, Dr. Ramirez, informing him that his recent scans are not good and that he needs surgery as soon as possible. Devastated, Julian hides behind a tree to cry. Back in the Bohemia’s lobby, he has a brief, awkward encounter with Emily Longworth and her children before hurrying to his apartment, overwhelmed with emotion. In his bathroom, he examines his aging body and feels a deep sense of irrelevance in his family life and career.

Apartment 2A.

In his apartment kitchen, Julian has a tense exchange with his teenage daughter, Oona, about her ripped jeans before she leaves for school. He reflects on his family’s fragmented life: His wife, Jen, is emotionally distant and leaves for work before he sees her; his children are growing up and pulling away; and his old dog, Gilgamesh, is declining. Julian remembers encouraging his two children, Oona and Asher, to be independent, but he regrets the distance it caused. His art gallery business is struggling, and he stares at a painting in his foyer that he needs to sell to stay financially afloat. Over the years, Julian has scaled back on club memberships, cleaning fees, and other expenses. Overwhelmed by his medical news and personal anxieties, he feels his life is falling apart.

Apartment 11C-D.

While Emily walks her children, Bitsy and Hudson, to their elite private school, eight-year-old Bitsy asks if their family should perform a “land acknowledgment” before dinner, an idea from her nonbinary teacher. Emily predicts that Whit would not appreciate the land acknowledgement. Six-year-old Hudson proudly announces that he weighed his poop. At drop-off, Emily speaks with another mother, Morgan Lipschitz, who gossips about others, including Frida Yarborough, for dressing her child in a “TRAYVON” hoodie, and complains about the school’s DEIB director, Lianne Quisenberry-Roth, whom the students have nicknamed “QR Code.” Emily considers herself liberal but regards others’ activism as performative, and she hides her own political perspectives. The scene highlights the social and political tensions simmering among the wealthy parents.

Front Door.

That morning, Chicky Diaz is awakened by a FedEx delivery for his neighbor, Alberto Gutierrez. Suspecting the package from Mexico contains drugs, Chicky signs for it and hides it in his softball gear. Chicky considers calling a fellow veteran from his service in Kuwait and realizes he never lived alone until Tiffani’s death. He reflects on his loneliness and grief since his wife, Tiffani, died of lymphoma, leaving him with medical debt on top of his daughters’ college expenses. He recalls a recent moment of kindness from Alberto, who checked on him after hearing him yelling at the television during a Mets game, an act of concern that nearly brought Chicky to tears. Afterward, Chicky requested that Olek, the Bohemia’s super, switch him to night shifts, both to avoid being alone at night and to give younger doormen a chance to spend more time with their families.

Apartment 2A.

Julian Sonnenberg presides over a contentious co-op board meeting at the Bohemia. The board, composed mostly of elderly residents, argues over a purchase application from Amir Jackson, a Black professional basketball player. Board members Ethel Frumm and Art Onderdonk make racist objections, calling Jackson a poor “cultural fit.” Julian’s suggestion of anti-bias training is met with hostile accusations of being “anti-white.” Julian is careful not to call anyone racist outright, but he privately acknowledges that Onderdonk uses antisemitism to mask his own racism. Another resident, Tucker Goff, insists they can reject buyers for any reason. Just as the argument reaches a peak, the building’s superintendent knocks on the door.

Apartment 2A.

Olek enters the meeting to report that a large protest is planned for that evening in response to a recent police killing of a Black man. He raises the question of hiring additional security, for which there is increasing demand in response to suspicions of riots. The suggestion sparks another heated debate, with Julian arguing that armed guards would be an overreaction. The older members want private security because they do not trust the “Irish police” to protect Jewish New Yorkers. After dismissing the idea and adjourning the meeting, Julian privately asks Olek if he owns a gun, and Olek gives an evasive answer. Julian remembers following Olek one night, noting how secretive Olek is. Leaving the room, Julian notices Zaire, one of the doormen, was clearly eavesdropping on the meeting.

Apartment 2A.

Outside the Bohemia, Julian sees Whit Longworth’s car and bodyguard, recalling how Whit once bragged about them both being armed. A tourist mistakes Julian for the actor Richard Gere. Julian then receives an angry phone call from Whit, who is furious about a $6-million painting Julian procured for him years ago whose authenticity has recently been questioned. Julian tries to de-escalate, aware of Whit’s litigious and volatile nature. Julian recalls how economic downturns affect the art business, and his family’s net worth is entirely dependent on their apartment in the Bohemia. After the call, Julian feels the weight of his many problems with Whit and reflects on a recent conversation where he almost confessed the depth of his hatred for the man. On a date with Emily, Julian once almost admitted his hatred for Whit, but he whispered his love for Emily, instead.

Front Door.

In his apartment, Chicky Diaz tends to a painful bruise on his ribs. He considers taking one of his late wife Tiffani’s prescription painkillers but opts for ibuprofen. He receives a summons via text from his cousin, Junior, who is also his boss at a side job. On his way out, Chicky is confronted by his landlord, Nestor, about at least $30,000 in back rent. Chicky reflects on how no one wants to hear about his struggles, and he notes that the cost of a closet in the Bohemia would cover his near $300,000 of debt. Nestor informs him that he is starting the eviction process. Chicky is overwhelmed by his financial desperation, which includes medical bills, credit card debt, and a large loan from a loan shark.

Apartment 2A.

Julian meets his art gallery partner, Ellington, in Central Park. Ellington expresses serious concern over Whit’s threats regarding the disputed painting, fearing a lawsuit could ruin their business. Julian attempts to downplay the danger, arguing Whit will avoid the negative publicity of a lawsuit. The conversation highlights the deep roots of their friendship and partnership, founded in their college days on a mutual understanding of America’s class and racial divides. Ellington remains unconvinced, making it clear that this is Julian’s problem to solve alone.

Apartment 11C-D.

Emily Longworth takes the subway to Harlem for her volunteer shift at the New Hope food pantry. To avoid recognition, she wears a Yankees cap and uses her middle name, Grace. On the train, a severely distressed unhoused woman begs passengers for help, and Emily grips a knife in her pocket for defense. At the pantry, Emily reflects on the complexities of her volunteer work, the shame of her own wealth, and the hypocrisy of her double life, including her infidelity.

Front Door.

Chicky goes to the bar owned by his cousin and boss, Junior. Junior confronts him about a fight that occurred while Chicky was working as a bouncer. Chicky explains that he ejected a customer for sexually harassing the waitresses, but the man attacked him, a friend of the man pulled a gun, and the police were called. Junior informs a shocked Chicky that the man he fought was El Puño, a former boxer who became a drug dealer. Junior tells Chicky he must apologize to El Puño and has a plan for how he can do it.

Apartment 11C-D.

At the New Hope food pantry, Emily does not wear jewelry and uses her middle name, Grace. Emily observes Garvey, the kitchen volunteer, who seems hostile toward her. While Garvey is outside, his shirt rides up, and Emily sees a gun tucked into his waistband. Emily struggles with her fear of Garvey, since she also sympathizes with him. Camila, Emily’s boss at New Hope, encourages Emily to balance sympathy with safety. Shortly thereafter, police arrive and confront another man outside the pantry. The man flees, and the chaotic scene draws a crowd of onlookers. Emily notices one of Garvey’s friends staring directly at her. Feeling frightened, she decides to leave her shift early. As she walks toward the subway, a gunshot rings out nearby.