Year: 2013
Runtime: 86 min
Language: English
Director: Noah Baumbach
Frances, a young woman in her twenties, finds herself adrift in Brooklyn as she grapples with the challenges of adulthood. She navigates uncertain career prospects and fleeting relationships, searching for stability and a sense of belonging. Through humorous and heartfelt moments, the film follows her poignant journey of self-discovery and the complexities of friendship and independence.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Frances Ha 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Frances Ha (2013), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Frances Halladay is a 27-year-old dancer navigating the vibrant streets of New York City alongside her college best friend, Sophie. However, Frances’s world is turned upside down when Sophie announces her intention to move from Brooklyn to Tribeca with another friend, a place Sophie views as her dream neighborhood. With her aspirations of becoming a successful dancer still just out of reach, Frances finds herself unable to afford their shared apartment and must seek new living arrangements.
Relocating to Chinatown, Frances shares a brief living arrangement with friends Lev and Benji. As time goes on, a rift begins to form between her and Sophie, particularly as Sophie grows closer to her boyfriend, Patch. To make matters worse for Frances, her dance company informs her that her assistance will not be needed for their upcoming Christmas show, further complicating her financial situation. With no other options, she heads back to her hometown of Sacramento to spend Christmas with her family and reconnect with old friends.
During this time, Rachel, a fellow dancer, offers Frances a place to stay temporarily. At a dinner gathering with Rachel’s family, Frances learns from their conversations that Sophie plans to leave her job at Random House. Soon after, Sophie decides to embark on a new adventure, moving to Tokyo with Patch. With an unexpected desire for change, Frances impulsively spends a lackluster couple of days in Paris, financed by her credit card. Once back in New York, she takes on a role as a waitress at Vassar and a resident assistant, though she finds herself overworked and unable to attend classes.
As Frances diligently works, she keeps up with Sophie by reading her blog, which offers glimpses into her life in Tokyo. One evening, while working at an auction, Frances discovers Sophie and Patch are now engaged, only to witness the couple’s tumultuous argument firsthand. With compassion, she allows a distressed Sophie to crash in her dorm room, where Sophie eventually confides in her about the heartbreak of a miscarriage and the pall of dissatisfaction looming over her relationship. Sophie returns to New York the next morning, leaving Frances with a lingering note.
Eventually, Frances finds herself back in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Through time and personal growth, she manages to mend her friendship with Sophie while embracing a fulfilling path as a budding choreographer, teaching dance to children, and juggling a bookkeeping role for her previous dance company. Finally, as she moves into her new apartment, she marks her mailbox with a slip of paper to signify her new beginning. However, a slight twist of fate reveals that her full last name doesn’t fit, leaving her with the simple yet profound moniker: “Frances Ha.”
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:38
Don't stop at just watching — explore Frances Ha 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 Frances Ha is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Frances Ha with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Frances Ha 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.
Frances Ha (2013) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Frances Ha (2013) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Frances Ha – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Saint Frances (2020) Full Movie Breakdown
Frances (1982) Movie Recap & Themes
Tiny Furniture (2010) Full Summary & Key Details
France (2021) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Broken English (2007) Ending Explained & Film Insights
French Girl (2024) Movie Recap & Themes
Full Moon in Paris (1984) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Full Frontal (2002) Movie Recap & Themes
Paris Can Wait (2017) Full Summary & Key Details
Francine (2012) Movie Recap & Themes
Girl in Progress (2012) Film Overview & Timeline
Frankie (2019) Detailed Story Recap
French Exit (2021) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Masculine Feminine (1966) Movie Recap & Themes
Carrie Pilby (2017) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap