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Afterlife of the Party (2021) movie poster

Timeline

Afterlife of the Party (2021) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2021 · 109 min · English
Echo score 64
JustWatch #19,986 8
Directed by
Stephen Herek
Starring
Gloria Garcia, Victoria Justice, Adam Garcia, Kiroshan Naidoo, Midori Francis, Spencer Sutherland

Following a sudden and unusual end to a life lived with wild abandon, Cassie finds herself facing the repercussions of her past actions. She must now grapple with the consequences and seek a way to rectify them before she can move on. The experience forces her to confront difficult truths and ultimately find redemption.

Drama Fantasy Comedy Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Afterlife of the Party
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Afterlife of the Party (2021)

Where can you watch Afterlife of the Party? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Afterlife of the Party Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Afterlife of the Party (2021) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Childhood Friendship

    Cassie and Lisa have been best friends since first grade. Their bond has shaped each of their lives in different ways as they navigated through childhood together.

    When
    Childhood

  2. Adult Lives Diverge

    As adults, Cassie evolves into a vibrant party planner while Lisa becomes a secluded archeologist. Their contrasting lifestyles begin to reflect the changes in their friendship.

    When
    Present Day

  3. Max's Arrival

    Cassie introduces Lisa to Max, her new neighbor who shares similar interests with Lisa. This encounter sparks an immediate connection and intrigue between Max and Lisa.

    When
    Birthday Week
    Where
    Cassie's Home

  4. The Party Argument

    At Cassie's birthday party, tension rises between the two friends when they realize their interests have diverged significantly. Lisa expresses her frustrations, leading to a heated argument that ends with their separation.

    When
    Evening of the Party
    Where
    Nightclub

  5. Cassie's Tragic Accident

    After the argument, Cassie returns home and, in a state of hangover, slips and hits her head on the toilet. This unfortunate accident marks the end of her life.

    When
    Later that Night
    Where
    Cassie's Apartment

  6. Meeting Val

    After her death, Cassie encounters Val, her angel handler, who informs her that she must help three people before she can move on to the afterlife. This revelation sets her on a mission to support her loved ones.

    When
    After Death
    Where
    Afterlife

  7. Cassie's Guardian Mission

    Cassie learns she has a limited timeframe to help her friend Lisa, her father Howie, and her mother Sofia. She starts observing their lives to find ways to make a meaningful impact.

    When
    5 Days After Death

  8. Lisa's Struggles

    Cassie sees Lisa immersing herself in her archeology work while mourning the loss of her friend. Lisa grapples with self-doubt regarding her career, indicating that Cassie’s friendship is deeply missed.

    When
    Day One of Mission
    Where
    Museum

  9. First Connection with Lisa

    Cassie tries to make herself visible to Lisa. When humming accidentally lets Lisa perceive her, it rekindles their friendship and they begin enjoying their time together once again.

    When
    Following Day
    Where
    Apartment

  10. Setting Up the Date

    Cassie takes matters into her own hands, encouraging Lisa to connect with Max. She orchestrates a meeting that leads to a successful date between them, allowing Lisa to experience newfound happiness.

    When
    During Their Date
    Where
    Koop Music Video Shoot

  11. Helping Her Father

    Cassie beautifully orchestrates the reunion of her father with Emme from the bakery. This connection helps Howie find solace and reconnect with the world, allowing Cassie to feel at peace.

    When
    After Connecting with Lisa
    Where
    Bakery

  12. Wish Lantern Gathering

    In a heartfelt farewell, Lisa gathers all of Cassie's loved ones for a wish lantern release. Singing together, they celebrate Cassie's memory, bringing a sense of closure to her life's journey.

    When
    Final Gathering
    Where
    Outside

  13. Emotional Goodbye

    During the lantern release, Cassie shares an emotional goodbye with her father as he acknowledges her presence. This moment solidifies her peace before her final departure.

    When
    Before Ascending
    Where
    Gathering Site

  14. Journey to Heaven

    Having completed her tasks, Cassie begins her ascent to heaven. On the way, she meets Kooper, a new companion, suggesting a new journey awaits her in paradise.

    When
    Ascent to Heaven
    Where
    Elevator to Heaven

  15. Entering Paradise

    Finally arriving in paradise, Cassie and Kooper step out into an idyllic afterlife. This marks the beginning of Cassie's new existence, full of serenity and joy.

    When
    Completion of Journey
    Where
    Heaven

Last updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:27

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Timeline questions answered

Afterlife of the Party Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Afterlife of the Party (2021): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

How did Cassie die in the movie?

Cassie died from a freak accident at her apartment. After arguing with Lisa and returning home in a state of despair, she passed out in her room and slipped in the bathroom, hitting her head on the toilet. This tragic mishap occurs shortly after her 25th birthday party.

  • cassie death
  • freak accident
  • bathroom accident
  • how she died
Q2

Why must Cassie help three people before moving on?

After her death, Cassie meets Val, an angel handler, who explains that she must serve as a guardian angel to three people: her best friend Lisa, her father Howie, and her mother Sofia. She has only five days to help them resolve their issues, or she risks being condemned to the 'below' instead of reaching heaven.

  • guardian angel
  • val
  • three people
  • five days deadline
  • afterlife rules
Q3

Why did Cassie and Lisa argue at the party?

At Cassie's birthday party, Lisa confronts Cassie about how their friendship has changed over the years. Lisa points out that Cassie often puts on a facade and that their bond has weakened because their lifestyles have diverged so dramatically, Cassie became a social butterfly while Lisa retreated into a quieter life as an archeologist.

  • lisa argument
  • party argument
  • friendship strain
  • confrontation
Q4

How does Cassie become visible to Lisa?

Cassie discovers she can become visible to Lisa because they are true soulmates with an extremely deep connection. After several attempts and humorous incidents, Lisa finally sees Cassie when Cassie hums a song from their childhood, allowing their friendship to be rekindled.

  • cassie visible
  • lisa sees cassie
  • soulmates
  • guardian connection
Q5

How does Cassie help her father Howie?

Cassie notices her father has been neglecting his health while mourning her death. She orchestrates a reunion between Howie and Emme, the owner of a bakery that opened after Cassie's passing, who holds significance for him. This connection helps Howie find solace and reconnect with the world.

  • howie
  • father
  • cassie helps father
  • bakery
  • emme
Q6

Who is Kooper Keene and why does he appear at the end?

Kooper Keene is a fellow soul who has recently passed away. Cassie meets him as she begins her ascent to heaven after completing her mission. They walk together into paradise, suggesting a new companion awaits her in the afterlife, though his specific story is not detailed in the film.

  • kooper keene
  • heaven
  • afterlife companion
  • new soul
Q7

What is the 'below' that Cassie risks?

The 'below' is the alternative destination Cassie faces if she fails her guardian angel mission. It's presented as a kind of damnation or lower afterlife, in contrast to the 'Afterlife party in Heaven' that awaits her if she successfully helps her three loved ones within the five-day timeframe.

  • the below
  • damnation
  • heaven vs below
  • afterlife destination
Q8

How does Lisa meet Max after Cassie's death?

Cassie orchestrates a meeting between Lisa and Max, the neighbor who sparked interest during Cassie's birthday week. Using her unique position, Cassie guides them toward each other, leading to a successful date and a romantic connection that brings Lisa happiness.

  • lisa max
  • orchestrated meeting
  • date setup
  • max neighbor
Q9

What is the wish lantern ceremony at the end?

The wish lantern gathering is a heartfelt farewell ceremony organized by Lisa in honor of Cassie. All of Cassie's loved ones release wish lanterns together while singing, giving them a chance to celebrate her memory. During this emotional moment, Cassie becomes visible to her father Howie, allowing for a final embrace.

  • wish lantern
  • farewell ceremony
  • lantern release
  • emotional goodbye
Q10

Why can't Cassie be seen by the people she's helping?

As a guardian angel, Cassie exists in a form where she cannot normally be perceived by the living. She can observe and influence events subtly, but making herself directly visible requires significant effort and a deep soul connection, which she eventually achieves with Lisa.

  • invisible
  • guardian angel powers
  • not seen
  • lisa connection

Movie threads

More Movies Like Afterlife of the Party, by Mood & Story

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

Movies about healing from beyond the grave like Afterlife of the Party

Characters who return from the afterlife to fix their mistakes and find peace. If you liked the redemptive journey in Afterlife of the Party, explore more movies where characters are given a second chance from the afterlife. These stories focus on healing, friendship, and closure with a mix of heartfelt drama and light fantasy elements.

  • redemptive
  • heartfelt
  • whimsical
  • bittersweet
  • uplifting
  • reflective
  • Tone: hopeful, whimsical, heartfelt
  • Pacing: steady, structured
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically feature a protagonist who dies unexpectedly and is granted a limited opportunity to return or interact with the living. Their journey is structured around specific tasks of atonement, leading to emotional confrontations, personal growth, and ultimately, a peaceful resolution for all involved.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their unique blend of fantasy and emotional drama, centered on the powerful theme of posthumous redemption. They share a hopeful tone, where the sadness of death is balanced by the positive impact of the protagonist's final actions.

Afterlife of the Party movie poster

Afterlife of the Party

2021
Hello Again movie poster

Hello Again

1987
Over My Dead Body movie poster

Over My Dead Body

1995
Return to Me movie poster

Return to Me

2000
Resurrection movie poster

Resurrection

1980
Just Like Heaven movie poster

Just Like Heaven

2005
Hope Springs Eternal movie poster

Hope Springs Eternal

2018
Defending Your Life movie poster

Defending Your Life

1991

Whimsical movies about grief and healing like Afterlife of the Party

Lighthearted fantasy elements help characters and audiences process loss and find hope. Fans of Afterlife of the Party will enjoy these similar films that use fantasy and comedy to approach themes of loss and personal growth. Discover movies that balance sadness with hope, offering a gentle yet meaningful take on healing from grief.

  • whimsical
  • bittersweet
  • heartfelt
  • uplifting
  • reflective
  • hopeful
  • Tone: whimsical, bittersweet, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a real-world emotional wound—like grief or regret—that is addressed through a fantastical intervention. This device allows the story to explore profound feelings without becoming overwhelmingly heavy, often leading to a cathartic and positive resolution for the characters.

Why they belong together: They share a specific tonal balance, using whimsy and humor to soften the edges of sorrow. This creates a uniquely comforting viewing experience that is reflective and uplifting, rather than purely dramatic or sad.

The World Is Funny movie poster

The World Is Funny

2012
Afterlife of the Party movie poster

Afterlife of the Party

2021
Over the Moon in Love movie poster

Over the Moon in Love

2019
Just Like Heaven movie poster

Just Like Heaven

2005
Hello Again movie poster

Hello Again

1987
Finding Joy movie poster

Finding Joy

2013
The Starling movie poster

The Starling

2021
Heart and Souls movie poster

Heart and Souls

1993

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The After Party movie poster

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We the Party movie poster

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Fallen Angels Paradise movie poster

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18 to Party movie poster

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After That Party movie poster

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Every angle

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