Mr. Roosevelt (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant music scene and cultural diversity. Emily also has connections to Los Angeles, where she pursues her comedy career. The Austin Greenbelt appears as a serene escape, contrasting with the emotional chaos Emily experiences.

• austin texas
• los angeles
• setting
• locations
• greenbelt

The film is set in the present day, reflecting modern challenges faced by artists. The story unfolds over a single weekend, though this timeframe symbolizes the characters' emotional state rather than representing a specific historical period.

• present day
• modern
• time period
• contemporary

The movie explores three interconnected themes: heartbreak, loss, and ambition. Heartbreak centers on Emily's difficulty moving on from her past relationship. Loss is pervasive, symbolized by both the death of her cat Mr. Roosevelt and her sense of displacement. Ambition drives Emily's struggle to succeed as a comedian despite numerous setbacks.

• themes
• heartbreak
• loss
• ambition
• grief

Heartbreak is the central theme, as Emily grapples with the end of her relationship with Eric and the loss of her beloved cat. The film shows how each encounter with her past forces Emily to confront her feelings and find closure. Her emotional turmoil underscores how difficult it is to move on from former connections.

• heartbreak
• romantic
• breakup
• emotions
• closure

Loss pervades the film through multiple layers: the death of Mr. Roosevelt the cat, Emily's displacement in her old home, and her grief over the ended relationship. The movie explores how characters cope with grief and transition, ultimately showing how loss can lead to personal growth and new beginnings.

• loss
• grief
• death of pet
• moving on
• closure

Ambition is shown through Emily's pursuit of a comedy career in Los Angeles. Despite facing setbacks, her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry drives much of her character arc. The film juxtaposes her aspirations against life's realities, challenging her to reconsider her true priorities and desires.

• ambition
• comedy career
• dreams
• aspirations
• entertainment industry

Emily Martin is the protagonist, a struggling comedian portrayed by Noël Wells. She returns to Austin due to a family illness and must confront her ex-boyfriend Eric and his new girlfriend. Throughout the film, she navigates heartbreak, ambition, and self-discovery while learning to embrace the present.

• emily martin
• protagonist
• comedian
• main character
• noel wells

Eric Kline is Emily's ex-boyfriend, played by Nick Thune. He represents the past Emily is struggling to let go of. After their relationship ended, Eric transitioned from an aspiring musician to working in real estate, seeking stability. Despite his seemingly settled life, he still shares chemistry with Emily, hinting at unresolved feelings.

• eric kline
• ex-boyfriend
• ex
• nick thune
• past relationship

Celeste Jones, played by Britt Lower, is Eric's new girlfriend. She represents the new life Emily feels replaced by. Celeste's upbeat and seemingly blissful nature contrasts sharply with Emily's emotional turmoil, creating tension between the three characters and highlighting themes of jealousy and moving on.

• celeste jones
• new girlfriend
• eric's girlfriend
• britt lower
• replacement

Jen Morales, played by Daniella Pineda, is Emily's supportive friend and confidante during her troubled visit to Austin. Her cheerful demeanor and understanding nature provide moments of levity amidst the sadness, emphasizing the importance of friendship and support during difficult times.

• jen morales
• best friend
• supportive friend
• Daniella Pineda
• confidante

Austin, Texas serves as the primary backdrop for Emily's emotional journey. The city's vibrant music scene and cultural diversity provide an energetic contrast to Emily's personal chaos. The Greenbelt offers a serene escape for outdoor activities, symbolizing the peaceful resolution Emily seeks amid her turbulent weekend.

• austin
• texas
• greenbelt
• music scene
• setting meaning

The film maintains a bittersweet tone, blending painful confrontations with an ex and the death of a pet with moments of quirky friendship and self-discovery. While emotionally charged with grief and relationship tension, the movie prevents overwhelm through a comedic, grounded perspective that makes the heavy topics more digestible.

• tone
• bittersweet
• emotional
• comedic
• mood