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Away We Go (2009) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Away We Go (2009) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2009 · 98 min · English
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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 (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Away We Go
  8. 8 Every angle
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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Away We Go Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Away We Go (2009), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Verona De Tessant (Maya Rudolph)

    Verona is an aspiring artist facing the challenges of impending motherhood while seeking a suitable environment for her new family. She is sensitive, empathetic, and introspective, often considering her family dynamics and emotional connections. Verona's journey is one of self-discovery as she contemplates what legacy she will create for her child.

    • 🎨 Artist
    • 🤱 Pregnant
    • ❤️ Empathetic
  • Burt Farlander (John Krasinski)

    Burt is a salesman with a good sense of humor, providing a balance to Verona's introspective nature. He is supportive and protective, facing the uncertainties of becoming a father with both humor and seriousness. Throughout their travels, Burt's character evolves as he gains clarity about his priorities, showcasing his emotional depth.

    • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Supportive
    • 🤣 Humorous
    • 👨‍👧‍👦 Fatherly
  • Grace (Allison Janney)

    Grace is Verona's sister who acts as a supportive figure in her life, often encouraging her to confront difficult emotions regarding their parents. She offers both guidance and a contrasting perspective on family matters, adding complexity to Verona’s journey. Her character embodies the notion of familial bonding that is essential during times of change.

    • 👩‍👧 Sisterly
    • 💬 Supportive
    • 🧠 Insightful

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

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Setting

Where and When Does Away We Go Take Place?

The setting of Away We Go (2009): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Set in a contemporary period, the film captures the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, particularly during pregnancy. It showcases the character's exploration of familial dynamics and the societal expectations surrounding parenthood. This modern backdrop serves as a relatable context for many viewers.

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, Tucson, Wisconsin, Madison, Montreal, Miami

The movie traverses various locations across the United States and Canada, highlighting urban settings like Phoenix and Miami, as well as the more serene landscapes of Tucson and Montreal. Each place offers unique insights into the characters' relationships and personal growth. Their journey reflects the diversity of environments suitable for family life.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌄 Nature
  • 🌎 Travel

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

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3 major themes

Away We Go Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Away We Go (2009) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Parenthood

    The theme of parenthood is central to the movie as Burt and Verona navigate the complexities of impending parenthood. Their journey reflects the fears and hopes that come with starting a family. The film emphasizes the importance of providing a nurturing environment for their child.

  • Exploration

    Exploration is depicted not only in the physical journey through various cities but also in the emotional journey they undertake. The couple seeks to discover what kind of life they want for their child, exploring their own relationships and pasts along the way. This theme resonates with anyone who has sought to define their own path.

  • Loss

    Loss is subtly interwoven in the narrative, particularly through the characters' reflections on their deceased parents and the struggles faced by Burt's brother. This theme adds depth to the story, reminding audiences that the journey of family and parenting often comes with the shadows of loss and remembrance.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:01

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Character & theme questions

Away We Go Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Away We Go (2009): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Away We Go set?

The movie takes place across multiple locations in the United States and Canada. The couple visits Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Madison, Wisconsin; Montreal; and Miami, Florida. Their road trip showcases both urban cities and more serene landscapes, highlighting the variety of environments they consider for starting a family.

  • locations
  • road trip
  • settings
  • cities
  • travel
Q2

What time period is the movie set in?

Away We Go is set in the contemporary, modern era. The film captures the experience of young adulthood and impending parenthood in present-day America, providing a relatable context for viewers dealing with similar life challenges.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • era
Q3

What is the main theme of the movie?

The central theme of Away We Go is parenthood and the journey of starting a family. The film explores the fears, hopes, and decisions that come with expecting a child, emphasizing the importance of creating a nurturing environment for their future child.

  • parenthood
  • themes
  • family
  • having a baby
Q4

How does the exploration theme factor into the story?

Exploration appears both as a physical journey across multiple cities and as an emotional voyage of self-discovery. Burt and Verona travel to evaluate different locations for their potential home while simultaneously exploring what kind of life and legacy they want to create for their child.

  • exploration
  • road trip
  • self-discovery
  • journey
Q5

How does loss factor into the film's narrative?

Loss is woven subtly throughout the film through characters' reflections on their deceased parents and the struggles faced by Burt's brother. This theme adds emotional depth, reminding audiences that the journey of family and parenting often carries the weight of past losses and the desire to create something positive from those experiences.

  • loss
  • grief
  • family history
  • parents
Q6

Who are the main characters?

The film centers on Verona De Tessant (played by Maya Rudolph), an aspiring artist navigating impending motherhood, and Burt Farlander (John Krasinski), a humorous and supportive salesman preparing to become a father. Verona's sister Grace (Allison Janney) provides additional support and perspective throughout their journey.

  • Verona De Tessant
  • Burt Farlander
  • Grace
  • characters
  • cast
Q7

What kind of person is Verona?

Verona is introspective, sensitive, and empathetic. As an aspiring artist, she approaches motherhood with deep consideration about family dynamics and emotional connections. Her journey involves significant self-discovery as she contemplates what legacy she will create for her child.

  • Verona
  • personality
  • artist
  • introspective
Q8

What is Burt's personality like?

Burt is a good-natured salesman who balances Verona's introspective nature with humor and optimism. He is supportive and protective, facing the uncertainties of fatherhood with both levity and seriousness. Throughout their travels, Burt evolves and gains clarity about his priorities as he prepares for parenthood.

  • Burt
  • personality
  • salesman
  • humor
  • supportive
Q9

What role does Grace play in the film?

Grace is Verona's sister who serves as a supportive anchor in her life. She encourages Verona to confront difficult emotions regarding their parents and provides a contrasting perspective on family matters. Her character embodies the importance of familial bonds during times of major life transitions.

  • Grace
  • sister
  • family
  • support
Q10

What genre and tone does the film have?

Away We Go is a drama-comedy with romantic elements. The film has a quiet, character-driven nature focusing on conversation and emotional discovery rather than high-stakes drama. Despite dealing with serious themes like loss and anxiety about starting a family, the overall tone remains hopeful, anchored by the strong relationship between the central couple.

  • genre
  • tone
  • drama
  • comedy
  • romantic

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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