Year: 2021
Runtime: 133 min
Language: English
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Set in the 1970s San Fernando Valley, this coming-of-age story follows Alana Kane and Gary Valentine as they experience first love and the challenges of adolescence. Their journey unfolds against the backdrop of a changing era, filled with both tender moments and youthful exuberance. The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the search for identity, portraying a nostalgic look back at a specific time and place.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Licorice Pizza (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In San Fernando Valley, 1973, a group of boys eagerly awaits their moment in front of the camera while a couple of their peers mischievously detonate a cherry bomb in the bathroom. Among them, Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) finds himself drawn to the photographer’s assistant, Alana Kane (Alana Haim). Despite their age difference—15 and 25—Gary’s charm manages to persuade Alana to spend time with him, albeit not on a romantic date.
The duo meets at a restaurant familiar to Gary, where they engage in conversation about their respective careers. Gary shares that he works with his mother, Momma Anita (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), at a public relations firm. Promising that they won’t forget each other, they take a stroll home, giving a glimpse into their lives: Alana resides with her parents and two sisters, while Gary lives with his brother, Greg (Milo Herschlag). Their professional dynamic shines through when Gary and Anita discuss their partnership with restaurant owner Jerry Frick (John Michael Higgins) about launching a new Japanese eatery. Jerry’s treatment of his wife, Mioko (Yumi Mizui), soon becomes evident through his off-putting accents.
Unexpectedly, when Anita cannot accompany Gary to a New York trip for auditions, Alana steps in. This leads to Gary reconnecting with his co-stars from “Under One Roof,” featuring the talented Lucille Dolittle (Christine Ebersole). His comedic antics grow more outrageous, culminating in a playful encounter that leads to a reprimand from Lucille. Meanwhile, Alana becomes acquainted with another actor, Lance (Skyler Gisondo), who enters the picture upon their return to California.
Their relationship soon faces strain when Alana’s Jewish upbringing clashes with Lance’s atheism during a family dinner. This dissonance ultimately pushes Alana to end things with him. Gary pivots, diving into the waterbed business alongside Alana and friends Kirk (Will Arangola) and Mark (Griff Giacchino). Together, they attend the “Soggy Bottom” expo, where the night takes a wild turn as Gary finds himself in legal trouble, only to be supported by Alana.
With Alana managing the business phone calls, Gary’s affection for her grows, despite their playful bickering regarding her potential nudity in films. An event where she unexpectedly kisses another guy out of jealousy showcases the complexity of their relationship. Alana’s pursuit of her ambitions leads her to audition for a role with Jack Holden (Sean Penn), who invites her into a whirlwind of Hollywood glamor, making her an object of admiration and envy.
A series of mishaps ensues, including an awkward delivery to Jon Peters (Bradley Cooper), which involves both peril and comedy. As Gary and Alana navigate their respective career hiccups—his waterbed business hit hard by the gas crisis and her political volunteer work—they find themselves drifting apart. However, in a twist of fate, they eventually cross paths at a movie theater, igniting the spark between them once more.
In a heartfelt reunion, Gary brings Alana back to his arcade, introducing her affectionately as “Mrs. Alana Valentine,” prompting a sweet, spontaneous kiss and reestablishing their bond. After a series of ups and downs, they declare their feelings, with Alana finally expressing her love for Gary, cementing their connection amidst the chaos of their youth.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:30
Still wondering what the ending of Licorice Pizza (2021) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
The ending of Licorice Pizza reveals a subtle yet powerful shift in Alana’s understanding of her own desires and relationships. Throughout the film, she is caught between her search for security in older, more established men and her genuine feelings for Gary, a younger, naive boy with entrepreneurial drive. Despite her initial doubts and the conflicting feelings about her past experiences with men who were driven more by their sexual needs or superficial desires, she begins to see through those facades.
At a crucial moment, during a dinner with Joel Wachs, Alana realizes that many of her previous interactions were not truly about her but about fulfilling the ego or concealment of secrets by the men she was with. She finally understands that Gary, despite his youth and innocence, has shown her genuine care and sincerity without pretense. This clarity helps her recognize the difference between superficial attraction and authentic connection.
Gary’s mutual feelings, which he has subtly expressed all along, now become clear to her. He isn’t just a boy with naïve ideas; he’s someone who truly values her and wants her to be herself, rather than conform to a societal ideal or superficial standards. Seeing this, Alana chooses to embrace her genuine feelings for Gary, deciding that she prefers someone who cares for her authentically over the false glamour and superficiality of her previous relationships. The film concludes with their reunion, where they finally acknowledge their feelings, hinting at a future where they can truly be themselves together.
The ending leaves viewers with a warm, hopeful feeling, emphasizing that true connection and honesty often lead to happiness, even if the road ahead is uncertain. It’s a subtle reminder that sometimes, the most genuine relationships come from understanding oneself and recognizing what truly matters in love and life.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57
Don't stop at just watching — explore Licorice Pizza 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 Licorice Pizza is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Licorice Pizza. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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Licorice Pizza (2021) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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