Before Sunrise

On June 16, 1994, fate brings Jesse and Céline together on a train traveling from Budapest to Vienna, where a simple conversation turns into a profound connection. As Jesse is en route back to the United States and Céline is returning to university in Paris after visiting her grandmother, a pivotal choice unfolds. Upon arrival in Vienna, Jesse makes an intriguing proposal to Céline: he suggests that, years later, she might reflect on her life choices and wonder about the alternate paths she could have taken. They decide to spend the night exploring Vienna instead of rushing back to their respective lives, having neither the means to secure a room.

Their evening adventure sees them visiting iconic landmarks, culminating in a romantic kiss atop the Wiener Riesenrad at sunset, igniting their chemistry. As the night deepens, their candid conversations evolve, covering love, life, and existential musings while they enjoy the wonders of Vienna.

One memorable encounter occurs by the Donaukanal, where a poet offers to craft a poem featuring a word of their choosing. They whimsically select “milkshake,” leading to the creation of “Delusion Angel,” a work that Jesse humorously suspects was already prepared by the poet prior to their selection.

As they play pinball later on, Céline opens up about her recent breakup, expressing that her last boyfriend left because she “loved him too much.” In return, Jesse shares that his trip to Europe was initially prompted by a relationship that ended as soon as it began. His journey took a serendipitous turn when he bought a Eurail pass and opted to travel extensively through Europe on a whim. They share light moments pretending to be on phone calls with one another, deepening their bond.

The atmosphere soon grows charged with the unspoken tension of attraction. They find themselves acknowledging their feelings as the night wears on, even as they understand their time together is fleeting. Opting to savor every moment, they wander into a park with a bottle of wine, confronting the question of intimacy. Céline expresses her desire not to be a mere fleeting encounter, while Jesse candidly admits that if it were up to him, he would choose to marry her rather than walk away without another chance. Their conversation culminates in passionate kisses and a strong implication of intimacy, suggesting a deep emotional and physical connection.

In a poignant conclusion, the next morning at the train station, as Céline’s train prepares for departure, both choose to forgo exchanging contact details. Instead, they resolve to reconvene at the same location in six months, leaving their future open yet hopeful.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:49