Year: 2009
Runtime: 98 min
Language: English
Director: Sam Mendes
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.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Away We Go yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Away We Go (2009), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
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
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Away We Go in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Away We Go is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Away We Go with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Away We Go. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Away We Go that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Away We Go: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Away We Go that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Away We Go (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Away We Go (2009) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Away We Go (2009) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Away We Go – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Without Saying Goodbye (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
Look Both Ways (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Story Summary & Characters
Two for the Road (1967) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Farewell, Home Sweet Home (2001) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Up in the Air (2009) Film Overview & Timeline
On My Way (2014) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Unpregnant (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Hello I Must Be Going (2012) Movie Recap & Themes
Goodbye to All That (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Before We Go (2015) Detailed Story Recap
And So It Goes (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Hit the Road (2022) Film Overview & Timeline
Road Trip Romance (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
The Road Trip (1000) Film Overview & Timeline