Baby Boom

Baby Boom

Year: 1987

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Charles Shyer

DramaComedyRomance

A driven marketing executive's life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a baby daughter. Leaving behind her fast-paced career, she relocates to a charming Vermont town to raise the child. J.C. Wiatt must then learn the joys and struggles of motherhood while adjusting to a slower pace of life and forming new relationships within a close-knit community, ultimately discovering a new sense of purpose and happiness.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Baby Boom 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!

Timeline & Setting – Baby Boom (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Baby Boom (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

Set during the 1980s, a decade marked by rapid corporate expansion and evolving gender roles. The era’s emphasis on ambition and high-level careers frames J.C.'s initial priorities. Her shift toward motherhood and entrepreneurship reflects the period's slow move toward more balanced expectations for women in the workplace.

Location

Manhattan, New York, Vermont countryside

Primarily set in Manhattan, New York, and later in rural Vermont after J.C. inherits Elizabeth. The Manhattan scenes emphasize a high-powered consulting culture and the pursuit of prestige. The Vermont portion contrasts a quieter countryside with the emotional and financial challenges of motherhood and building a new business.

🏙️ Urban setting 🏡 Rural Vermont 👩‍💼 Corporate backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:12

Main Characters – Baby Boom (1987)

Meet the key characters of Baby Boom (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton)

A driven Manhattan management consultant known for a sharp, career-first mindset. When Elizabeth enters her life, she reevaluates priorities and attempts to balance motherhood with work, eventually founding Country Baby. She ultimately declines a lucrative corporate offer to return to The Food Chain, choosing a life in Vermont with Elizabeth and Jeff.

💼 Career 👩‍👧 Parenthood 🌱 Growth

Dr. Jeff Cooper (Sam Shepard)

A practical, down-to-earth veterinarian in Vermont who becomes J.C.'s partner and emotional anchor. He challenges her skepticism about relationships and family, and their romance deepens as they build a life together in the countryside. He provides stability as Elizabeth and Country Baby transform J.C.'s world.

🩺 Veterinarian ❤️ Partner 🌿 Rural Life

Elizabeth

The infant orphan who triggers J.C.'s life changes; She becomes the catalyst for J.C.'s reconsideration of priorities and the move toward motherhood and entrepreneurship. Her presence forces J.C. to navigate new responsibilities, routines, and the emotional bond of parenthood.

🍼 Child 🚼 Catalyst 👶 Toddler

Fritz Curtis

J.C.'s boss at the firm who embodies corporate pragmatism. He offers a partnership but ultimately reshapes J.C.'s career path by reallocating responsibilities, underscoring the pressure of balancing ambition with family life.

💼 Manager 🧭 Corporate politics 🔄 Change

Hughes Larrabee

CEO of The Food Chain who wants J.C. to manage a major national account. He presents a multi-million-dollar deal that tempts J.C. to return to the corporate world, highlighting the lure of prestige against personal happiness.

🏢 CEO 🎯 Deal-maker 🧭 Strategy

Ken Arrenberg

J.C.'s protégé assigned to her team who sometimes makes decisions without her input. His presence reflects the delegation and power dynamics within a corporate setting as J.C. navigates leadership and collaboration.

👔 Protégé 🤝 Collaboration 🧭 Decision-making

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:12

Major Themes – Baby Boom (1987)

Explore the central themes of Baby Boom (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance

J.C.'s life tests the ability to juggle demanding work with caring for a child. The story shows how corporate success can collide with parenting responsibilities. Her experiences with nannies, early development classes, and late-night decisions highlight the delicate negotiation between professional and personal life. Ultimately, balance is portrayed as a personal choice rather than a mere duty.

🌱 Personal Growth

Facing Elizabeth's needs forces J.C. to reassess her priorities beyond a corner office. She grows from a single-minded strategist into a patient, resourceful parent and entrepreneur. Her romance with Jeff deepens as they build a life together in Vermont. Growth here is measured not by titles but by the depth of relationships and the ability to adapt.

💼 Entrepreneurial Independence

Rejecting the offer from The Food Chain, J.C. chooses to grow Country Baby on her own terms. The business becomes a symbol of independence, balancing profit with care for Elizabeth. Her decision to stay in Vermont shows that success can mean a life outside the corporate ladder.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:12

Unlock the Full Story of Baby Boom

Don't stop at just watching — explore Baby Boom 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 Baby Boom is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Baby Boom Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Baby Boom, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Baby Boom Summary

Baby Boom Timeline

Track the full timeline of Baby Boom with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Baby Boom Timeline

More About Baby Boom

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Baby Boom: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Baby Boom

Similar Movies to Baby Boom

Discover movies like Baby Boom 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.