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Away We Go (2009) movie poster

Plot Summary

Away We Go (2009) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2009 · 98 min · English
Directed by
Sam Mendes
Starring
Maya Rudolph, John Krasinski, Allison Janney
Budget
$17M

A couple in their thirties, expecting their first child, faces an unexpected upheaval when their eccentric in-laws announce they're moving. Burt and Verona decide to hit the road, traveling across the United States to connect with friends, relatives, and explore possible new living situations. Along the way, they grapple with the challenges of impending parenthood and search for a sense of belonging and stability in a rapidly changing world.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Away We Go
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Away We Go (2009)

Where can you watch Away We Go? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Away We Go: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Away We Go (2009) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Verona De Tessant, played by Maya Rudolph, and Burt Farlander, portrayed by John Krasinski, are a couple in their early thirties navigating the challenges of adulthood while trying to find their footing in the world. Verona, an aspiring anatomy artist, and Burt, a salesman of insurance futures, are thrown into a whirlwind when they discover they're expecting a child. This news ignites a pressing concern about the kind of environment they want to create for their new family.

As Verona enters her sixth month of pregnancy, the couple attempts to connect with Burt's parents, Gloria and Jerry, who are unexpectedly preparing to relocate to Antwerp, Belgium, a mere month before the due date. Feeling frustrated by their lack of support, Burt and Verona seize the moment to explore new possibilities for where to raise their child.

Their journey begins in Phoenix, Arizona, where they reconnect with Verona's former boss, Allison Janney, and her husband, Lowell, alongside their children. However, Burt is disturbed by the family's unpleasant dynamics and the contentious interaction between Lily and Lowell.

Continuing their quest, they travel to Tucson to visit Verona's sister, Grace. While Grace encourages Verona to open up about their deceased parents during a shopping trip, Burt's affable humor reassures her about their relationship.

Later, they attempt to fly to Wisconsin, but due to misunderstanding about Verona's pregnancy stage, they instead board a train. In Madison, they meet Burt's childhood friend, "LN," played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has unconventional views on parenting. The meeting soon turns tense when their gift of a stroller is met with disdain.

Their travels take them to Montreal, where they find solace in the warmth of old college friends, Tom and Munch. Amidst the laughter and stories shared, Verona and Burt contemplate making Montreal their new home. However, during a dance night at a bar, Burt learns of Munch's struggles with loss, creating a poignant bond between the friends.

Their journey culminates in Miami, where Burt comforts his brother Courtney, who is grappling with his wife leaving him and the impact on his young daughter. Verona offers her support by spending time with his child. After an emotional night spent reminiscing and promising to create a loving home for their daughter, they find clarity in their desire to settle in Verona's childhood home, taking in the serenity of their surroundings together.

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:14

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Plot questions answered

Away We Go Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Away We Go (2009): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why do Burt and Verona decide to go on a road trip across the US?

Burt and Verona decide to travel across the country after learning that Burt's parents are moving to Antwerp, Belgium just a month before their baby is due. Feeling unsupported by the impending relocation and realizing they need to find the right environment for their growing family, they use the opportunity to explore different cities and connect with friends and relatives while considering where they might settle down.

Foreshadowing: Early in the film, their discussion about wanting a supportive community for their child hints at the motivation behind their extensive search.

  • road trip
  • finding home
  • starting family
  • relocation
Q2

Why does Burt's parents moving to Antwerp upset him so much?

Burt is upset because his parents are relocating to Belgium merely a month before his first child is due, which he perceives as a lack of support during a critical time in their lives. The move represents a broader pattern of inadequate parenting figures in the film, as Burt and Verona are seeking stable, loving models for their own impending parenthood.

  • Burt's parents
  • Antwerp
  • family support
  • pregnancy
Q3

What disturbs Burt about Allison's family in Phoenix?

Burt is disturbed by the contentious and unpleasant dynamic between Allison's children and their parents, particularly the interaction between Lily and Lowell. The negative family atmosphere contrasts sharply with what Burt and Verona want to create for their own child, making them more determined to find a loving environment.

  • Allison
  • Phoenix
  • family dynamics
  • parenting
Q4

Why does LN react negatively to the stroller gift in Madison?

LN, Burt's childhood friend with unconventional parenting views, dismisses the stroller gift because she disagrees with traditional parenting norms. Her reaction creates tension and forces Burt and Verona to confront different perspectives on parenthood, highlighting the film's exploration of varied approaches to raising children.

  • LN
  • Madison
  • stroller
  • unconventional parenting
Q5

What is Munch's struggle that he reveals in Montreal?

During a dance night at a bar in Montreal, Munch reveals to Burt that he is struggling with loss, though the specific details are not fully spelled out in the summary. This emotional moment creates a deeper bond between the friends and underscores the film's themes of coping with life's difficulties and the importance of support systems.

  • Munch
  • Montreal
  • loss
  • emotional bond
Q6

Why is Courtney's wife not with him in Miami?

Courtney's wife has left him, leaving him to care for their young daughter alone. This situation mirrors the film's exploration of failed parenting relationships and adds to Burt's concern about what kind of parents they will be, while also showing the support the couple can provide to family in need.

  • Courtney
  • Miami
  • divorce
  • single father
Q7

Why do Burt and Verona decide to settle in Verona's childhood home?

After their cross-country journey observing various family situations and friendships, Burt and Verona realize they want to create a loving home in a familiar, serene environment. Verona's childhood home represents stability, nostalgia, and the comfort of familiar ground, making it the ideal place for them to begin their family.

  • childhood home
  • settling down
  • family
  • belonging
Q8

What does Grace encourage Verona to discuss in Tucson?

In Tucson, Verona's sister Grace encourages her to open up about their deceased parents. This conversation forces Verona to confront her past and emotional baggage, which is an important step in her character development as she prepares to become a parent herself.

  • Grace
  • Tucson
  • parents
  • emotional healing
Q9

Why do Burt and Verona end up on a train instead of flying to Wisconsin?

They end up on a train due to a misunderstanding about Verona's pregnancy stage. The summary indicates there was confusion regarding how far along she was, which prevented them from flying as originally planned and led to their unintended train journey.

  • train
  • Wisconsin
  • pregnancy
  • travel mixup
Q10

Why do Burt and Verona consider Montreal as a potential new home?

In Montreal, Burt and Verona reunite with old college friends Tom and Munch and experience the warmth of genuine friendship. The welcoming atmosphere and sense of connection they feel there makes them briefly consider Montreal as a possible place to settle, though they ultimately choose otherwise.

  • Montreal
  • Tom
  • Munch
  • friendship
  • potential home

Movie threads

More Movies Like Away We Go, by Mood & Story

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

Journeys of Self-Discovery like in Away We Go

Characters hit the road to find themselves and what truly matters in life. Explore movies like 'Away We Go' where characters embark on transformative journeys. If you enjoyed the road trip as a means of self-discovery, you'll find similar stories here about searching for meaning, home, and personal identity through travel.

  • introspective
  • journey
  • searching
  • transition
  • hopeful
  • contemplative
  • Tone: hopeful, contemplative
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically follow a linear, episodic structure mirroring the physical journey. The protagonist moves from one encounter to the next, with each stop presenting a new challenge, perspective, or reflection of a potential life path. The central conflict is internal, as the character grapples with questions of identity and belonging.

Why they belong together: They are grouped by their shared focus on the journey as a catalyst for introspection. The pacing is steady and deliberate, allowing for contemplative moments, and the tone is often hopeful, centered on the possibility of positive change and finding one's place in the world.

Intimate Relationship Crossroads Movies like Away We Go

Couples facing a major life change test the strength of their bond. Discover movies similar to 'Away We Go' that explore couples at a turning point. If you liked the intimate portrayal of a relationship tested by impending parenthood, you'll appreciate these gentle dramas about commitment and building a life together.

  • intimate
  • heartfelt
  • comforting
  • relationship
  • commitment
  • hopeful
  • Tone: hopeful, intimate
  • Pacing: steady, conversational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative is built around the central couple, with external events serving primarily to test and strengthen their relationship. The plot is straightforward, avoiding complex subplots to maintain focus on the emotional dynamics between the two leads. The journey culminates in a reaffirmation of their commitment.

Why they belong together: These films share a low-intensity, intimate vibe that prioritizes emotional authenticity over dramatic plot twists. They feature strong romance elements, a medium emotional weight that deals seriously with life changes but maintains a hopeful core, and a comforting, reassuring feel despite the challenges faced.

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Movies Like Away We Go

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Every angle

Away We Go (2009) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Away We Go in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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