Away We Go

Away We Go

Year: 2009

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Mendes

Budget: $17M

DramaComedyRomance

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.

Away We Go (2009) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Away We Go (2009) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the gentle bustle of contemporary America, a thirty‑something couple confronts the uncharted territory of impending parenthood. Verona De Tessant, an aspiring anatomy artist with a vivid imagination, and Burt Farlander, a practical insurance futures salesman, have built a modest life together, but the news that they are expecting their first child brings both excitement and a sudden urgency to define the world they will raise a new life in.

Their plans are jolted when Verona’s eccentric in‑laws announce an unexpected move abroad, leaving the pair feeling untethered and questioning the stability of their current surroundings. Rather than accepting the uncertainty, they decide to embark on a cross‑country road trip, treating the open road as both a literal and metaphorical search for a place that feels right for their growing family. The journey becomes a loose thread stitching together a mosaic of small‑town charm, sprawling cityscapes, and the countless intimate spaces in between.

The film’s tone balances wistful longing with quiet humor, capturing the delicate dance between hope and doubt that characterizes early adulthood. Its visual style drifts between sun‑kissed highways and the soft interiors of homes, mirroring the couple’s internal oscillation between adventure and the desire for rootedness. As they travel, Verona and Burt’s personalities play off each other—her creative sensitivity tempering his grounded pragmatism—highlighting how love can both anchor and propel two people forward.

Amid the ever‑changing backdrop of new towns, friendly faces, and fleeting moments of connection, the story invites viewers to contemplate what “home” really means when life’s biggest changes arrive. It is a tender, open‑ended meditation on belonging, responsibility, and the quiet courage it takes to map out a future when the map itself is still being drawn.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 08:53

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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.

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.

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Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

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Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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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Away We Go Summary

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Away We Go Summary

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Away We Go Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Away We Go

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Away We Go

More About Away We Go

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