Love at First Sight

Hadley is a 20-year-old American student who tends to be late and relies on a nearly dead phone battery. Her whirlwind cross-Atlantic journey begins with a chance encounter that awakens a bold curiosity about love. She grapples with her father’s remarriage and ultimately chooses to seek closure by pursuing Oliver at the memorial. Her arc blends impulsiveness, vulnerability, and openness to new possibilities.

Oliver is a 22-year-old Yale student studying statistical inference. He is thoughtful, reserved, and tends to rationalize life through data. A flight encounter with Hadley and his mother's terminal illness push him to feel and express emotions beyond numbers. His journey culminates in embracing love that transcends calculation.

Hadley's father, recently remarried to Charlotte. He aims to build a new family moment while respecting Hadley's feelings, often mediating tensions between past and present. He and Charlotte acknowledge their role in pressuring Hadley and work toward reconciliation. His warmth and openness help Hadley navigate a difficult family transition.

Andrew's fiancée, a compassionate and considerate presence who tries to include Hadley in family plans. Her kindness at the wedding and willingness to adapt help ease tensions and model generosity. She participates in the family's grief and joy, reinforcing the possibility of a blended, supportive family.

Oliver's mother, who is terminally ill with lung cancer. Her perspective on life and death drives the emotional core of the story, influencing Oliver's choices and reshaping the family dynamic. Her presence at the memorial scene reinforces the theme of living authentically in the face of mortality.

Oliver's sister, who participates in family events and provides a supportive presence during a time of loss. Cate's role highlights sibling perspectives within a changing family, offering empathy and stability.

Oliver's brother who helps anchor family dynamics as the siblings reunite in London. He participates in the memorial and supports Oliver as he processes his mother's illness and his relationship with Hadley.

The Narrator guides the story, framing events and offering context that shapes how the audience perceives the romance, grief, and family decisions. The narration underscores the film's themes and emotional beats.