The Prisoner of Second Avenue

Mel Edison's life takes a drastic turn as he finds himself unexpectedly out of work in the midst of a sweltering New York City summer. With decades-long career behind him and no clear prospects for employment on the horizon, Mel is forced to navigate the complexities of being unemployed in middle age. The intense heat of the city serves as a metaphor for the internal pressure that mounts within Mel as he grapples with his newfound situation, dealing with both the practical challenges of job hunting and the psychological toll of uncertainty. As he embarks on this challenging journey, Mel is forced to confront his assumptions about work, identity, and what it truly means to be successful in a city where ambition and persistence are the norm. This film presents an intimate, authentic portrayal of middle-aged unemployment against the backdrop of a vibrant but unforgiving urban environment.