Keeping Up with the Joneses

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Year: 2016

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Greg Mottola

ActionComedy

A suburban mother, Pam, finds herself at odds with her rebellious teenage child and seeks help from her unusual neighbor, Sheldon. Simultaneously, Robin's investigation into a dishonest boat owner reveals a shocking secret that disrupts both of their lives and plunges them into unexpected turmoil.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Keeping Up with the Joneses 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 – Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)

Trace every key event in Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016) 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

Jeff's Perfect Life

Jeff Gaffney is introduced as a devoted Human Resources employee at McDowell-Burton International. He lives a seemingly normal life with his wife, Karen, and their two children who are away at sleep-away camp, setting the stage for the drama to come.

2

Moving to the Cul-de-Sac

The Gaffneys buy a new home in a quiet cul-de-sac, marking the beginning of their new life. The couple is excited but unaware of the quirky dynamics and secrets their new neighbors, the Craverstons, might hold.

Cul-de-Sac
3

Meeting the Joneses

The tranquil life of the Gaffneys is disrupted by the arrival of the charming Joneses—Tim and Natalie. Their seemingly enviable life and impressive interests pique Jeff and Karen’s curiosity.

4

The Initial Meet and Greet

During their first meeting, Tim shares that he is a travel writer while Natalie discusses her social media career as an advocate for Sri Lankan orphans. This encounter leaves Karen feeling unnerved by Natalie's confidence.

5

Karen's Observations

Intrigued by Natalie, Karen follows her to the mall, resulting in an embarrassing discovery in a dressing room. This incident heightens the tension and mystery surrounding the Joneses.

Mall
6

Dinner with Tim

Tim invites Jeff for dinner, which unfolds into an awkward evening filled with dubious activities such as tasting snake wine. Jeff ultimately dismisses these antics in favor of the adventure of indoor skydiving.

Chinese Restaurant
7

Entering MBI HQ

Tim and Natalie break into MBI HQ, where they uncover a suspicious email sent from Jeff's computer to an international arms dealer known as Scorpion. This startling revelation sets the plot in motion.

MBI HQ
8

Discovery of the Spying Device

While attempting to reconcile with the Joneses, Jeff inadvertently breaks a glass sculpture only to find a spying device hidden within it. Alarmed, the couple decides to investigate further.

9

Investigating the Joneses

The Gaffneys sneakily enter the Joneses' home to gather information, but Jeff's mistake with a pen gun leads to chaos. This sets a tense tone as misunderstandings begin to spiral out of control.

Joneses' Home
10

Seeking Help from Carl Pronger

In desperation, Jeff and Karen seek advice from MBI advisor Carl Pronger. However, their plans take a dark turn when a sniper silences Carl before he can provide the critical information they need.

11

The Undercover Reveal

As the tension escalates, it is revealed that the Joneses are undercover agents working to thwart the Scorpion's dangerous plans. The growing danger intertwines the fates of both families in unexpected ways.

12

Double-Crossing and Standoff

With secrets and miscommunication rampant, a dramatic standoff ensues where Karen plays a heroic role by passing a knife to Natalie, aiding the agents in their escape. The scene climaxes in high tension and action.

13

Unmasking the Scorpion

As the escape unfolds, the true identity of the Scorpion is revealed to be none other than Bruce Springsteen. This shocking twist adds an unexpected layer to the unfolding espionage.

14

A Year Later

Fast forward a year, Jeff and Karen enjoy a quiet moment at Hazim's Cafe in Marrakesh. Their peace is short-lived as they unexpectedly run into the Joneses, leading to a rekindling of old connections.

One Year Later Hazim's Cafe, Marrakesh
15

The Unexpected Shootout

Though the Joneses are moving on from their spy lives, danger finds the Gaffneys once again. They are suddenly caught in a new shootout, reminding them that the life of a spy is never truly over.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 20:44

Unlock the Full Story of Keeping Up with the Joneses

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

Keeping Up with the Joneses Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Keeping Up with the Joneses, 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.

Keeping Up with the Joneses Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Keeping Up with the Joneses

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Keeping Up with the Joneses

More About Keeping Up with the Joneses

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Keeping Up with the Joneses: 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 Keeping Up with the Joneses

Similar Movies to Keeping Up with the Joneses

Discover movies like Keeping Up with the Joneses 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.