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A Little Bit of Heaven (2012) movie poster

Spoiler-Free Summary

A Little Bit of Heaven (2012) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

Release, runtime and language
2012 · 106 min · English
JustWatch #5,995 4
Directed by
Nicole Kassell
Starring
Peter Dinklage, Gael García Bernal, Kathy Bates, Kate Hudson

Marley Corbett uses humor and charm to deflect intimacy and commitment, building a wall around her heart. A significant medical diagnosis prompts her to re-evaluate her life and relationships, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. She confronts her anxieties about vulnerability and begins to explore the possibility of genuine connection, ultimately facing unexpected truths about herself and the people around her.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What it is about
  3. 3 Is it worth watching?
  4. 4 After you watch
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like A Little Bit of Heaven
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch A Little Bit of Heaven (2012)

Where can you watch A Little Bit of Heaven? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV and Fawesome: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Spoiler-free summary · safe to read

What Is A Little Bit of Heaven About? (No Spoilers)

The plot of A Little Bit of Heaven (2012) without spoilers: what it is about, who it follows and where it takes place, told without the twists or the ending. Enough to decide whether it is your next watch, not enough to ruin it.

In the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Marley Corbett glides through life as a charismatic ad executive whose quick humor and breezy charm hide a deeper reluctance to let anyone get too close. Surrounded by a tight‑knit circle of friends who feel more like family, she treats romance as a casual pastime, building invisible walls around her heart while the city’s music and color pulse around her carefree demeanor.

When the ever‑observant Sarah begins to sense a shift in Marley’s usually unflappable spirit, a routine check‑up with Dr. Julian Goldstein turns into a turning point. A serious medical diagnosis forces Marley to glance beyond the jokes that have long shielded her, introducing a delicate balance of wit and vulnerability that underlies the film’s tone. The interplay between Marley’s defiant humor and the compassionate realism of her doctor sets the stage for a story that is as much about confronting mortality as it is about savoring the moments that make life bright.

Against the backdrop of New Orleans’ lively culture, Marley’s newfound awareness nudges her toward old family ties, lingering anxieties, and the possibility of genuine connection. The narrative hints at a journey where laughter may coexist with love, and where the walls she’s erected might finally give way to deeper intimacy. With a blend of heartfelt introspection and the city’s lively rhythm, the film invites viewers to wonder how one woman will navigate the thin line between self‑preservation and opening her heart to the unexpected gifts that lie ahead.

Last updated: August 10, 2025 at 07:14

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What to expect

Is A Little Bit of Heaven Worth Watching? What It Feels Like

Is it dark, sad, slow, intense or confusing? The mood of A Little Bit of Heaven (2012) in a few tags, without a word about how it ends. Each tag opens a list of movies that feel the same.

After you watch

Seen A Little Bit of Heaven? Now Read the Spoilers

Once you have watched A Little Bit of Heaven (2012), come back for the full story: the plot summary with spoilers, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning.

Movie threads

More Movies Like A Little Bit of Heaven, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes A Little Bit of Heaven tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about life-affirming illness journeys like A Little Bit of Heaven

Stories that find grace and connection while facing a life-altering diagnosis. If you liked the heartfelt and humorous approach to a serious diagnosis in A Little Bit of Heaven, you'll appreciate these similar movies. This collection features stories where characters use wit and warmth to embrace life and forge deeper connections in the face of mortality.

  • heartfelt
  • poignant
  • hopeful
  • melancholic
  • uplifting
  • tender
  • Tone: bittersweet, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, character driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically begins with a life-shattering diagnosis that forces a protagonist to re-evaluate their priorities. The journey involves reconciling with the past, deepening relationships in the present, and finding a unique form of peace or legacy. The climax is often less about a cure and more about achieving emotional resolution.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared ability to balance heavy emotional subject matter with a surprising amount of levity and hope. They share a bittersweet tone, a character-driven pace, and a core theme of finding meaning and joy even in the most difficult circumstances.

Romantic dramas born from personal crisis like A Little Bit of Heaven

Love stories that blossom unexpectedly during times of profound personal upheaval. Looking for romantic stories similar to the connection in A Little Bit of Heaven? These movies feature love that develops during a character's profound personal struggle. The romance is deeply intertwined with themes of healing, self-discovery, and embracing vulnerability.

  • tender
  • heartfelt
  • romantic
  • poignant
  • emotional
  • hopeful
  • Tone: tender, bittersweet, heartfelt
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The romantic plot is secondary to the protagonist's primary internal or external conflict. The love interest often serves as a catalyst for change, helping the main character lower their defenses and confront their fears. The relationship's depth is measured by its role in the protagonist's broader emotional arc, rather than just conventional romantic milestones.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific narrative structure where romance is a key component of a larger emotional journey. They blend genuine romantic development with heavier dramatic themes, resulting in a tender, heartfelt, and often bittersweet vibe that feels earned and meaningful.

If you liked this

Movies Like A Little Bit of Heaven

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Every angle

A Little Bit of Heaven (2012) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about A Little Bit of Heaven in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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