An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place in a quaint small town where Lulu works at a cozy coffee shop. The hotel serves as a key location hosting the live show and intricate personal interactions that shape the characters' relationships.

• small town
• hotel
• setting
• locations

The movie does not specify a particular time period, allowing the quirky and absurd elements to feel timeless. It captures a sense of modernity through its themes of love, deception, and personal growth while embracing a whimsical storytelling approach.

• time period
• era
• modern
• timeless

At its core, the film explores the complexities of love through Lulu's longing for Beverly and the heartbreaking past that haunts her. As relationships unfold, characters confront their feelings and secrets, leading to both joy and disappointment.

• love
• heartbreak
• relationships
• themes

The theme of identity plays a significant role, particularly regarding Beverly's past and the personas characters adopt. Deception runs rampant as secrets are revealed and misunderstandings cause chaos, ultimately leading to deeper self-discovery.

• identity
• deception
• secrets
• self-discovery

The plot is driven by Shane's comical and misguided attempts to steal a lockbox, which introduces an element of mischief and camaraderie among the characters. This theme adds a layer of absurdity to the narrative, tying together various story arcs.

• heist
• mischief
• lockbox
• comedy
• Shane

Lulu Danger is a waitress with a strong sense of agency who yearns for something more than her mundane life. Her inner struggles and desires become evident as her feelings for Beverly complicate her existing marriage, forcing her to confront painful memories.

• Lulu Danger
• waitress
• protagonist
• Aubrey Plaza

Beverly Luff Linn is a mysterious figure who captivate Lulu's heart from her hidden photographs. Although he initially appears as a charming performer, his true feelings and impulsive choices reveal deeper layers, leaving a trail of broken connections.

• Beverly Luff Linn
• mysterious
• performer
• love interest

Colin Keith Threadener is a drifter who becomes entwined in Lulu's life unexpectedly. Initially lacking confidence, his character reveals surprising depths as he develops a bond with Lulu, leading to an impactful transformation.

• Colin Keith Threadener
• drifter
• Jemaine Clement
• character arc

Shane Danger is Lulu's husband, embodying jealousy and desperation as he attempts to assert his worth against Lulu's brother. His misguided decisions propel the story into chaos, showcasing a comedic and exaggerated aspect of masculinity.

• Shane Danger
• husband
• jealousy
• Emile Hirsch

The tone is predominantly whimsical due to eccentric characters like Beverly communicating in grunts and Rodney in synchronized swimming makeup. The absurd premise tempers serious underlying themes of a failing marriage and emotional betrayal, creating a balance between comedy and drama.

• tone
• whimsical
• comedic
• absurd
• style

The primary emotional arc follows Lulu's move from stifled nostalgia to present-tense emotional availability. She confronts her past with Beverly while navigating her failing marriage to Shane, ultimately finding a genuine, if awkward, new love with Colin.

• emotional arc
• Lulu
• growth
• transformation
• hope