Bella

Bella

Year: 2007

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Alejandro Gomez Monteverde

Budget: $3.3M

DramaRomance

A celebrated soccer star, on the verge of a lucrative signing bonus, faces a sudden career setback. He finds comfort in the company of a New York City waitress struggling with her own sense of self. Their unexpected meeting blossoms into a deep connection, leading them on a transformative journey of romance and personal growth as they navigate their individual challenges.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Bella (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Bella (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern day (early 2000s)

The narrative unfolds in contemporary New York City, reflecting the 21st-century urban experience. It spans several years, moving from present hardships to later reconciliation. The setting captures everyday life—work, family responsibilities, and personal loss—that tests the characters' resolve.

Location

New York City, subway, beach

Set primarily in bustling New York City, the story follows Jose's work as a cook and Nina's life as a late-arriving employee whose future collides with themes of family and responsibility. The subway scenes provide pivotal moments of encounter and confrontation, while the nearby beach settings offer reflection and reconciliation. The urban landscape—restaurants, apartments, and family homes—frames a drama about past mistakes and present choices.

🗽 City life 🎭 Drama 🚇 Public transit 🏖 Beach

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

Main Characters – Bella (2007)

Meet the key characters of Bella (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

José (Eduardo Verástegui)

A former soccer player turned restaurant cook, José is haunted by a past tragedy and strives to build a steady, caring life. He is disciplined, introspective, and determined to do the right thing, even when it costs him. His journey is about accepting help, forgiving himself, and protecting those he loves.

💪 Driven 🕊️ Reflective 🧭 Loyal

Nina (Tammy Blanchard)

Nina is pregnant and financially strapped, juggling fear, hope, and a growing sense of independence. She is resilient, honest about her fears, and willing to consider difficult options for her future. Her development centers on finding support and deciding what kind of parent she wants to become.

🤰 Pregnant 💪 Independent 🧭 Courageous

Manny (Jaime Tirelli)

Manny is the stern chef brother who runs the restaurant with tough love. His authority masks a deeper care for family and responsibility, and his past is tied to the family dynamics that the film gradually reveals. He is practical, fiery, and ultimately capable of reconciliation.

🍽️ Chef 👔 Stern 🧭 Loyal

Bella (Sophie Nyweide)

A bright, beloved child who embodies hope for the future. Bella is the person Nina and Jose may raise together, and her presence catalyzes healing and forgiveness in the adults around her. She is curious, warm, and a symbol of new beginnings.

👶 Child 💖 Beloved 🌊 Ocean-loving

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

Major Themes – Bella (2007)

Explore the central themes of Bella (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Redemption

It centers on atonement for past actions and the possibility of forgiveness. José bears the weight of a fatal incident and chooses responsibility over retreat. Nina's difficult pregnancy decisions provoke pain, yet the film suggests healing comes through courage and empathy. Forgiveness and second chances drive the path toward reconciliation.

👪 Family

Family provides a steadying force and a sense of belonging. José's bonds with his parents and his reconciliation with Manny reveal how relatives can heal damaged identities. The story emphasizes care, accountability, and support as foundations for growth. The presence of a loving family enables hope for the future.

❤️ Parenthood

Parenthood is shown as a journey of risk and reward. Nina's pregnancy becomes a catalyst for transformation, not a barrier, and Jose accepts the role of a father, offering protection and guidance. Their eventual decision surrounding Bella demonstrates selfless love and sacrifice. The outcome centers on creating a nurturing home and family.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:29

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Bella Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bella, 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.

Bella Summary

Bella Timeline

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

Bella Timeline

More About Bella

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More About Bella

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