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!

Haven’t seen Bella 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 – Bella (2007)

Trace every key event in Bella (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nina fired on opening day

New York City serves as the backdrop for the restaurant's opening. Nina arrives late for the second day in a row, and Manny fires her on the spot. The firing underscores the tense dynamic within the kitchen as they prepare to launch.

Opening day Mexican restaurant, New York City
2

Bear, subway encounter and pregnancy reveal

Nina drops a teddy bear as she exits the restaurant. José retrieves it and chases her into the subway to return it. When he asks why she was late, Nina reveals she is pregnant and suffering from morning sickness.

Same day Subway, New York City
3

Stroll and job lead

José offers Nina a stroll around the city, and she accepts. They head to Manny's colleague's restaurant where Nina hopes for a waitressing reference. They spend time dining and waiting for a decision, building a tentative connection.

Same day New York City
4

Abortion discussion

Over the meal, Nina tells José that she does not intend to proceed with the pregnancy and is considering abortion. She explains the lack of financial and emotional support she would have. The confession deepens their connection as they confront harsh choices.

Same day Manny's colleague's restaurant
5

José fired after confrontation

José plans to go back to the restaurant to fetch his wallet. Manny rebukes him for flaking on work for Nina, and José argues with his brother. Manny fires José, ending his temporary employment.

Same day Manny's restaurant
6

Train ride and adoption talk

José and Nina board a train to his home. On the journey, he tries to persuade her to consider adoption rather than abortion. Their conversation tests their resolve and nudges them toward a deeper connection.

Same day Train
7

Past tragedy revealed

José takes Nina to his parents' house and shows her his old car in the garage. He recounts a fatal accident he caused years earlier and the manager's urge to flee. He chose to take responsibility and was sentenced to four years in prison.

Past event retold José's parents' house garage
8

After prison and failed reconciliation

After his release, he attempts to reconcile with the girl's mother but is unsuccessful. The tragedy leaves him depressed and suicidal, casting a shadow over his life. The experience explains his fragility and longing for forgiveness.

After release (years earlier) Various locations
9

Dinner with family and welcome

José's parents invite Nina to dinner, where she learns Manny was adopted. They tell her she is always welcome to stay at their house. The meal marks a turning point as Nina senses a sense of belonging.

Evening José's parents' house
10

Beach confession

The next day, they go to a nearby beach, where Nina shares how her father's death shaped her and her mother's pain. She remarks on how fortunate José is to have a loving family and expresses hope for a partner who can raise a family. Her vulnerability deepens their budding bond.

Next day Nearby beach
11

Friendship pledge and reconciliation

Before parting, Nina asks for a friend to be there for her the next week. José then returns to the restaurant and reconciles with Manny. The moment signals healing and a renewed sense of possibility between them.

Next day Restaurant
12

Several years later: Bella emerges

Several years later, José is seen playing on a beach with a young girl. Nina arrives and meets what is implied to be her daughter, Bella. The two women exchange gifts—Nina tearsfully gives Bella the teddy bear her father gave her as a child, and Bella gives Nina a seashell—as they walk along the shore.

Several years later Beach

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Bella

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

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bella

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Bella. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bella

More About Bella

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Bella: 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 Bella

Similar Movies to Bella

Discover movies like Bella 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.