The Art of Getting By

The Art of Getting By

Year: 2011

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Gavin Wiesen

Romance

A rebellious Manhattan prep school senior, George, prefers expressing his artistic talent over following convention. He unexpectedly connects with Sally, and their relationship blossoms into a whirlwind romance. However, their budding connection is complicated by the arrival of a charismatic older artist. George must confront his apathy and decide if love and self-discovery are worth fighting for.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Art of Getting By 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!

The Art of Getting By (2011) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Art of Getting By (2011), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

George, portrayed by Freddie Highmore, is a pessimistic high school senior endowed with a remarkable talent for art. He often grapples with the daunting awareness of his mortality, which leads him to abandon his schoolwork—deeming it all pointless. Consequently, he finds himself on academic probation. The following day, while on the school roof, he encounters Sally, played by Emma Roberts, who is smoking. When a teacher approaches, George instinctively pulls out a cigarette to take the blame. Grateful for his sacrifice, Sally seeks him out to express her appreciation; although George is initially hesitant to engage, he gradually warms to her charming personality.

During Career Day, George meets a vibrant young artist named Dustin who ignites inspiration in him with his perspectives on life. Inviting Sally along, George joins Dustin, but it soon becomes clear that Dustin has an interest in Sally. As the New Year approaches, Sally extends an invitation to a party. At this gathering, she dances with her ex-boyfriend while a drunken George embarrassingly ends up outside, eventually falling asleep in an alley. Finding him there, Sally offers her apologies.

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, George and Sally go out for dinner, and she surprises him by asking if he wants to sleep with her. Stunned, George remains silent, prompting Sally to backtrack, saying that perhaps they shouldn’t as he is her only true friend. This conversation leaves George in a daze, and he subsequently withdraws from Sally, ignoring her attempts to reach out, while she starts to spend time with Dustin.

The consequences of George’s negligence catch up with him when he is summoned to the principal’s office for not completing his English term paper. Faced with the ultimatum of expulsion or fulfilling a year’s worth of missed assignments, George clashes with his stepfather over a deception regarding his schoolwork. He seeks refuge at Sally’s place, where they share a kiss, but she abruptly pulls away, revealing she is with Dustin. Hurt and angered, George storms out.

The next morning, George finds solace in the park with his mother, who divulges that his stepfather has been dishonest about work and that they are heading for divorce. This revelation prompts George to reassess his relationship with Sally. At school, he gathers his missing assignments to tackle. One significant art project challenges him to create a piece that is honest and true. As he diligently finishes the assignments and prepares for final exams, Sally’s romance with Dustin continues to flourish.

In a twist of fate, George and Sally meet at a bar, where she announces her plans to backpack through Europe with Dustin, opting out of the graduation ceremony. Heart open, George confesses his love, and they share a passionate kiss in her apartment. Sally reciprocates his feelings and promises they will find their way to one another someday. With renewed determination, George submits all of his work, impressing his art teacher with his heartfelt project.

On graduation day, George’s name is announced, and his mother beams with pride. Returning to the art classroom, George gazes at his completed project—an artwork capturing Sally’s radiant smile. Just as the film concludes, Sally appears, having decided against her trip with Dustin, and they share a tender moment as they admire the painting together.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 13:47

Unlock the Full Story of The Art of Getting By

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Art of Getting By 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 The Art of Getting By is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Art of Getting By Timeline

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

The Art of Getting By Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Art of Getting By

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Art of Getting By

More About The Art of Getting By

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Art of Getting By: 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 The Art of Getting By

Similar Movies to The Art of Getting By

Discover movies like The Art of Getting By 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.