After the Wedding

After the Wedding

Year: 2019

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Bart Freundlich

drama

A woman dedicated to caring for orphaned children in Calcutta finds her life unexpectedly altered by a substantial grant. She travels to New York to meet the grant's mysterious benefactor, Theresa. An unexpected wedding invitation reveals a complex and hidden connection between the two women, leading Isabel on an emotional journey. She is forced to confront her past and reevaluate her understanding of love, family, and the sacrifices we make.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – After the Wedding (2019)

Trace every key event in After the Wedding (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Isabel's Reluctant Journey

Isabel Andersen, the co-founder of an orphanage in India, is faced with the challenge of traveling to New York to meet a potential benefactor, Theresa Young. Despite her reluctance to leave her responsibilities and the boy Jai, whom she found on the streets and has grown close to, Isabel ultimately agrees to make the trip after insistence from Theresa.

India
2

The Meeting with Theresa

Isabel arrives in New York for her meeting with millionaire CEO Theresa Young, who is under pressure to solidify her charitable contributions. During this meeting, the conversation about the orphanage takes center stage, as Isabel tries to balance her commitment to the children back home with the allure of potential support from Theresa.

New York
3

An Unexpected Invitation

Theresa invites Isabel to attend her daughter Grace's wedding, offering a glimpse into her personal life. Obligation pulls Isabel to attend, even though she fears leaving Jai behind, as the event signifies a merging of two vastly different worlds.

New York
4

A Shocking Revelation

At the wedding, Isabel is astonished to discover that Thomas's husband, Oscar, is her former teenage sweetheart. The realization strikes her as Isabel learns that Grace, who has always been a part of Oscar and Theresa's life, is actually her biological daughter, a truth that she never anticipated.

Wedding Venue, New York
5

Confronting the Past

The morning after the wedding, Isabel confronts Oscar about the events that led to Grace’s adoption. During this confrontation, she learns that Oscar had reclaimed Grace without informing her, shattering Isabel's hopes and forcing her to grapple with their past decisions.

Oscar's House, New York
6

Secrets Unveiled

Isabel pushes Oscar and Theresa to reveal Grace's truth to her, knowing that Grace has been led to believe her biological mother passed away. This moment is pivotal, as it essentially alters their family dynamics and shakes the foundation of Grace's identity.

Oscar's House, New York
7

Theresa's Proposition

In an unexpected twist, Theresa encourages Isabel to reconnect with her daughter, Grace, and explore their relationship further. Alongside this, Theresa offers an increased donation to Isabel's orphanage, which complicates Isabel's feelings about her New York visit.

New York
8

The Conditional Donation

Theresa establishes a newly created fund in both Isabel and Grace's names, but the donation comes with the condition that Isabel must relocate to New York permanently. This ultimatum puts Isabel in a challenging position, torn between her love for Jai in India and her newfound family.

New York
9

The Unraveling Truth

Amidst the complexities of family ties, Isabel confronts Theresa about her true motivations. In a heartfelt confession, Theresa reveals her terminal illness and the orchestrated circumstances that led to this fated reunion, unveiling layers of manipulation and care.

New York
10

Grace's Struggle

After learning about her biological connection to Isabel, Grace wrestles with her own doubts concerning her recent marriage and familial relationships. This emotional turmoil showcases the impact of hidden truths and the challenge of accepting new realities.

New York
11

Theresa's Passing

Tragedy strikes as Theresa succumbs to her illness, prompting a collective grieving process. Her death acts as a catalyst for Isabel and Oscar to reassess their roles in Grace's life and how they will move forward as a family.

New York
12

Scattering Ashes

Following Theresa's funeral, the family gathers to scatter her ashes, a moment filled with both sorrow and reflection. This act serves as a significant closure for the family, influencing how each member will navigate their renewed relationships.

New York
13

Return to the Orphanage

Isabel makes a heartfelt return to India, deciding to visit the orphanage and see Jai once more. This poignant moment allows her to reconnect with her roots while contemplating her new life decisions.

India
14

Jai and Friends

The film concludes with a hopeful scene of Jai and his friends playing football at the orphanage. This imagery serves to encapsulate the joy and innocence that remains within the orphanage, contrasting Isabel's complicated journey.

Orphanage, India

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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After the Wedding Summary

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After the Wedding Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in After the Wedding

More About After the Wedding

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