Going the Distance

Going the Distance

Year: 2010

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Nanette Burstein

Budget: $32M

ComedyRomance

Erin's wit and honesty charm Garrett during lively evenings and playful morning competitions, sparking a passionate summer romance. However, when Erin plans to move west while Garrett remains in the east, they question if their whirlwind romance can last. As the distance between them increases, they discover their connection is deeper and more meaningful than they initially thought, leading them to reconsider their separate paths.

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Timeline & Setting – Going the Distance (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Going the Distance (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2010s

Set in contemporary times, the film follows a modern, city-centric romance driven by daily communications and career ambitions. The storyline spans several months, from a six-week NYC internship to extended periods apart and occasional cross-country reunions. The urban clock of work schedules, deadlines, and social lives shapes the couple’s decisions and timing.

Location

New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles

The story unfolds across three major cities. It begins in New York City, where Erin launches her journalism internship and the romance with Garrett begins amid a fast-paced newspaper world. The action then moves to San Francisco for love, career decisions, and visits that test their commitment. The finale shifts to Los Angeles as they reassess their future and the possibility of a long-distance reunion.

🗽 New York City 🌆 Urban life 🎬 Media & entertainment

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:11

Main Characters – Going the Distance (2010)

Meet the key characters of Going the Distance (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Erin Langford

A graduate journalism student interning at a New York City newspaper. Ambitious and romantically inclined, she pursues a bright career while navigating a sudden, challenging long-distance relationship with Garrett. Her drive to prove herself professionally drives much of the plot and project choices.

🗞️ Journalist

Garrett

An employee at a record label who is assigned to manage a band he dislikes, leading to professional frustration. He falls deeply for Erin and struggles with balancing love and career across the distance. Ultimately, he makes choices about his life and relationship in light of long-term commitment.

🎵 Music industry

Dan

Garrett's roommate who DJs their hookup, providing a humorous and sometimes awkward backdrop to Erin and Garrett’s relationship. His presence and actions influence the couple’s dynamic and the pace of their decisions.

🎧 DJ

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:11

Major Themes – Going the Distance (2010)

Explore the central themes of Going the Distance (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💌 Long-Distance

Erin and Garrett begin with a casual, cross-country setup that quickly deepens into genuine affection. Their relationship endures through phone calls, visits, and emotional vulnerability despite the miles between them. Distance becomes a test of trust, commitment, and the willingness to adapt life plans for love.

💼 Career vs Romance

Both leads chase professional opportunities that could pull them apart: Erin seeks a permanent journalism position while Garrett wrestles with job dissatisfaction at a record label. The choices about where to live and how to balance work with personal life create ongoing tension. The narrative probes whether love can coexist with ambitious, evolving careers.

🎭 Complications & Reconciliation

Friendships, family moments, and awkward situations inject humor and friction into the romance. Breaks, reunions, and misunderstandings test the couple’s resolve and willingness to grow. The story culminates in a second chance that hinges on self-awareness and a shared desire to redefine their path together.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:11

Unlock the Full Story of Going the Distance

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

Going the Distance Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Going the Distance, 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.

Going the Distance Summary

Going the Distance Timeline

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

Going the Distance Timeline

Going the Distance Spoiler-Free Summary

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Going the Distance Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Going the Distance

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More About Going the Distance

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