Home Again (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is primarily set in Los Angeles, California, the entertainment capital known for its thriving film and arts scene. Los Angeles represents Alice's fresh start and new chapter. Her past life in New York City serves as the contrast, symbolizing the marriage and life she's leaving behind.

• los angeles
• setting
• location
• new york

Los Angeles represents Alice's pursuit of independence, creativity, and a new identity as an interior designer. New York City symbolizes her past, her failed marriage to Austen and the life she is actively trying to move beyond. The shift from New York to LA mirrors her journey of self-discovery.

• new york
• los angeles
• contrast
• setting
• symbolism

The movie takes place in contemporary modern times, reflecting current societal norms around divorce, career pursuits, and family dynamics. This contemporary setting allows the film to explore relatable themes like independent women pursuing careers while navigating relationships.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• present day

The film explores love as complex and evolving, Alice experiences loss through her divorce from Austen but finds new romantic connection with Harry. It shows how love can take unexpected forms and how healing from loss opens doors to new relationships and self-understanding.

• love
• loss
• divorce
• relationships
• healing

Both Alice and the young filmmakers pursue their passions, Alice returns to interior design while the boys chase their filmmaking ambitions in Los Angeles. The movie portrays this pursuit as challenging but essential, showing how chasing dreams can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities.

• passion
• dreams
• career
• ambition
• filmmaking
• interior design

The movie emphasizes that family can be formed outside traditional structures. Alice creates a makeshift family with the three young filmmakers and her daughters, highlighting themes of support, companionship, and how shared experiences foster a sense of belonging even among unrelated people.

• family
• belonging
• unconventional family
• support
• community

Alice Kinney is a 40-year-old recently separated woman who moves to Los Angeles with her two daughters to start over. She represents vulnerability and resilience, working to reclaim her identity and career as an interior designer while navigating single motherhood and new romantic relationships.

• alice kinney
• protagonist
• main character
• reese witherspoon

Lillian Stewart is a renowned actress and Alice's mother, played by Candice Bergen. She represents wisdom and nostalgia, having had a past romantic relationship with Alice's filmmaker father. Lillian provides mentorship to the younger characters as they navigate their paths in Hollywood.

• lillian stewart
• mother
• candice bergen
• actress
• mentor

Harry is one of the three young filmmakers who moves into Alice's guest house. Confident and ambitious, he represents the aspiring artists in Los Angeles. His charm and spontaneity create a romantic connection with Alice, complicating the household dynamics and her journey of self-discovery.

• harry
• filmmaker
• young
• romance
• pico alexander

Austen is Alice's ex-husband who makes a sudden reappearance in her life, adding emotional complexity to the narrative. His presence forces Alice to confront her past while she strives for independence, representing the challenge of moving on from failed relationships.

• austen
• ex-husband
• ex
• michael sheen
• divorce

The movie has a hopeful, uplifting tone with a gentle touch despite dealing with themes of divorce and self-doubt. It balances light sadness from past failures with strong romantic elements and touches of humor, resulting in a feel-good, character-driven story about new beginnings.

• tone
• mood
• hopeful
• uplifting
• feel-good
• lighthearted