Ass Backwards (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place primarily in New York City, where both Kate and Chloe have built their adult lives, and in their hometown where they return for the beauty pageant. The contrast between the bustling metropolis and their small hometown underscores the theme of confronting the past.

• setting locations new york hometown

The movie is set in the present day, reflecting modern adulthood and contemporary issues. This contemporary setting allows the film to explore how past experiences continue to shape adult lives and relationships.

• present day modern timeframe era

Redemption is central to the film as Kate and Chloe seek to rewrite their childhood failures by returning to their hometown to reclaim the beauty pageant crown they once desired. Their journey represents the universal struggle of overcoming disappointments and seeking second chances in life.

• redemption second chances overcoming past failures

The bond between Kate and Chloe is the emotional core of the movie. Their shared history of childhood embarrassment becomes a source of strength as they support each other through their transformative journey, celebrating the enduring nature of friendship amid adult challenges.

• friendship bond support relationship Kate Chloe

The road trip serves as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery. As Kate and Chloe travel toward their hometown, they encounter various characters that challenge their perspectives and force them to confront their insecurities, emphasizing that the journey matters more than the destination.

• road trip personal growth self-discovery journey metaphor

The two main characters are Kate, played by June Diane Raphael, and Chloe, played by Casey Wilson. Kate runs an egg-donor business in New York City, while Chloe is an ambitious starlet immersed in the city's nightlife. Both women grapple with insecurities stemming from their past failures.

• main characters Kate Chloe June Diane Raphael Casey Wilson

Kate is motivated by a desire to overcome her past insecurities. Despite running a successful egg-donor business, she carries emotional wounds from childhood failures. Her journey with Chloe is driven by the need to confront and rewrite those past disappointments.

• Kate motivation insecurities success business past

Chloe is motivated by her ambition to succeed and her desire to confront her history of failures. While she presents a glamorous exterior in the New York nightlife scene, she shares Kate's underlying need to face and overcome past embarrassments.

• Chloe ambition success glamour past failures

Ass Backwards is an adventure comedy film. The movie blends humor and heart as it follows the two friends through a series of absurd and hilarious misadventures centered around a small-town beauty pageant.

• adventure comedy genre film type

The movie has a light, comedic tone with absurd and hilarious misadventures. While it deals with themes of confronting the past and self-discovery, the overall experience remains humorous and feel-good, ending on a positive note.

• tone comedy light humorous feel good