About Fifty

About Fifty

Year: 2011

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Thomas Johnston

Comedy

Two friends, facing middle age, decide to escape to Palm Springs for a rejuvenating getaway. Hoping to recapture the youthful exuberance of their earlier years, they embark on a lighthearted journey. However, their attempt to relive the past leads to unexpected self-discovery and a humorous exploration of aging and friendship.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen About Fifty yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – About Fifty (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of About Fifty (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting modern life challenges such as aging, career setbacks, and personal relationships. It captures the essence of companionship and the trials faced while transitioning into a new stage of life.

Location

Los Angeles, Palm Springs

The movie takes place in Los Angeles, a vibrant city known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. Following Adam and John's journey, they visit Palm Springs, a sunny desert resort city famous for its luxury hotels, golf courses, and relaxation spots.

🌆 City ⛳ Golf

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:16

Main Characters – About Fifty (2011)

Meet the key characters of About Fifty (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Adam

Adam is a 52-year-old unemployed commercial editor who is struggling to find his place in life after a divorce. His connection with his dog Fred brings him some solace as he attempts to begin his screenwriting journey. Throughout the film, Adam's vulnerabilities are laid bare as he seeks companionship and reevaluates his life's direction.

👨‍💼 Unemployed 📚 Aspiring Writer 😔 Vulnerable

John

John is a close friend of Adam who is also facing health issues and grappling with the realities of aging. His comedic yet serious undertones provide both humor and depth to the story. Balancing his relationship with Becca and the search for romance, John reflects the struggles of modern manhood.

🌟 Health Issues 🤔 Reflective 💑 Relationship

Jessica

Jessica is Adam's beautiful boss and ex-girlfriend who unexpectedly delivers disappointing news to him. Her character represents both the allure and the complexities of past relationships, serving as a reminder of what has been lost and what is at stake.

💼 Boss 🌹 Ex-Girlfriend

Alix

Alix is a stunning and intelligent woman who captures Adam's attention during their trip. Her youthful charm and sharp mind create a compelling dynamic with Adam, prompting him to reconsider his approach to love and companionship.

👠 Attractive 📚 Intelligent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:16

Major Themes – About Fifty (2011)

Explore the central themes of About Fifty (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕰️ Aging

A significant theme in the movie is the struggle with aging and the reluctance to accept it. Both Adam and John grapple with the implications of growing older, affecting their self-esteem and life choices. The story explores how they confront these challenges while seeking companionship.

❤️ Friendship

The bond between Adam and John serves as a focal point of the narrative. Their friendship is tested and rejuvenated through shared experiences as they embark on a trip together. The movie emphasizes the importance of having friends to rely on during life’s uncertainties.

💔 Heartbreak

Heartbreak is portrayed through Adam's separation from Erin and John's struggles with past relationships. As they meet new women, the characters confront their emotional baggage, navigating their feelings while trying to find love again.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:16

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Lighthearted Midlife Comedies like About Fifty

Humorous stories of friends confronting aging with wit and self-discovery.Explore movies like About Fifty where humor meets the realities of aging. If you enjoyed the lighthearted journey and comedic friendship dynamic, you'll find similar stories here about characters navigating midlife with self-deprecating wit and a search for youthful renewal.

humorousreflectivelightheartedrejuvenatingnostalgicself-deprecatingfriendship

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a clear, straightforward arc: characters recognize a midlife rut, often embarking on a trip or new venture to recapture their youth. This leads to a series of humorous encounters and small-scale conflicts that force a gentle, often humorous, self-assessment. The journey concludes not with a dramatic transformation, but with a renewed perspective on life and relationships.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on the comedic side of aging, a light emotional weight, and a steady, character-focused pacing. They all blend humor with reflective moments, creating an experience that is both entertaining and thoughtfully relatable.

Friendship Getaway Comedies similar to About Fifty

Comedic journeys where a trip together strengthens the bonds of friendship.Find movies similar to About Fifty that feature friends on a transformative trip. These lighthearted comedies focus on the bond between characters as they share humorous misadventures, leading to personal growth and a stronger friendship.

lightheartedhumorousupliftingfriendshipjourneyrejuvenatingcomedic

Narrative Summary

The plot is straightforward: friends, often facing a personal or shared crisis, decide to go on a vacation or road trip. The new environment introduces comedic obstacles, new people, and situations that test and ultimately reinforce their friendship. The central conflict is usually internal or interpersonal, resolved through shared experience and humor rather than external drama.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core structure of a friendship-centric journey, a light and humorous tone, and a focus on character interaction over complex plotting. The similarity lies in the feeling of a comforting, funny trip with friends that leaves you with a warm, positive outlook.

Unlock the Full Story of About Fifty

Don't stop at just watching — explore About Fifty in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what About Fifty is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

About Fifty Summary

Read a complete plot summary of About Fifty, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

About Fifty Summary

About Fifty Timeline

Track the full timeline of About Fifty with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

About Fifty Timeline

About Fifty Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of About Fifty that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

About Fifty Spoiler-Free Summary

More About About Fifty

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about About Fifty: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About About Fifty

Similar Movies to About Fifty

Discover movies like About Fifty that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.