Never Going Back

Never Going Back

Year: 2020

Runtime: More mins

Language: English

ComedyDramaAdventure

Young Orbalt and his older roomate Alfred embark on a hunt for buried treasure when they are threatened with eviction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Never Going Back (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Never Going Back (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Galveston, Texas, South Texas

Galveston on the Texas Gulf Coast is the destination for Jessie’s birthday getaway, a sun-soaked contrast to the girls’ routine of waiting tables. The film uses this beach town to frame a fleeting dream of escape from a money-strapped life in South Texas. The setting’s boardwalks and shore provide a backdrop for a night of trouble that follows the trip.

🌊 Beach town 🧭 Travel destination

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:01

Main Characters – Never Going Back (2020)

Meet the key characters of Never Going Back (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Angela

A practical, ambitious high school dropout who finances a trip for her friend by maxing out her rent money. She often acts as the planner and driver of risk, choosing bold options to escape their dull routine. Her loyalty to Jessie is strong, even when the plan spirals beyond control.

🎯 Ambitious 💪 Loyal

Jessie

Angela’s best friend and roommate, eager for a fresh start but increasingly overwhelmed by the consequences of their actions. She struggles with the weight of the criminal plan and the stress of keeping up appearances at work. Her resilience surfaces as the situation worsens.

👭 Loyal friend 🌊 Naive

Dustin

Jessie’s goofy older brother and roommate, involved in a failed drug deal and quick to leap into risky schemes. He creates friction with Angela and Jessie, complicating their already precarious situation. His impulsivity serves as a catalyst for much of the film’s trouble.

😂 Irreverent 🌀 Impulsive

Tony

Dustin’s friend who breaks into the house and contributes to the escalating trouble. His involvement signals how loosely connected criminals complicate the girls’ plan. He embodies the casual danger surrounding the group.

🔥 Reckless 🕶️ Opportunistic

Brandon

A porn-addicted roommate who becomes entangled in the plan to rob a cash register. He is initially skeptical but agrees when promised a payoff and a misrepresented deal. His actions contribute to the unraveling of the group's scheme.

💬 Manipulative 💰 Ambitious

Mr. Dickson

Brandon’s boss, depicted as sexist and predatory. His confrontational presence and inappropriate conduct become a turning point when the girls decide to retaliate. He embodies the film’s critique of abuse of power.

⚖️ Abusive 🧓 Predatory

Roderick

The girls’ boss who ultimately fires them after their subpar, high-spirited performance. He represents the harsh consequences of their bad decisions within the workplace setting. His decision creates the final push toward leaving town.

💼 Boss 🚪 Stern

Art Dog

A mutual friend hosting a party where the girls attempt to sober up and find a safe break from their trouble. His home scene acts as a temporary oasis amidst mounting chaos. The encounter foreshadows how plans can pivot in unexpected places.

🏠 Host 🎉 Social

Paul

A former coworker who hints at a party plan that the girls could use to pass time and find shelter. He serves as a narrative bridge to new opportunities but is ultimately a minor influence on the story. His role underscores the web of connections the girls navigate.

👥 🔗 Connector

Ryan

A friend of Dustin who joins the plan to recover what was lost in the drug deal. He participates in the sense of a shared get-rich-quick mindset, intensifying the group’s risk. His presence marks how quickly a simple scheme can spiral.

🤝 Partner 🧭 Opportunist

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:01

Major Themes – Never Going Back (2020)

Explore the central themes of Never Going Back (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏖️ Escape

Two teenage friends dream of leaving their mundane diner lives behind and chase a beachside break in Galveston. The trip acts as a catalyst that drags them toward risky choices and questionable schemes. The pursuit of a fresh start exposes how fragile their plan is and how quickly desperation can override judgment.

👭 Friendship

The bond between Angela and Jessie drives the plot as they rely on each other to navigate money troubles and mounting pressures. Trust is tested as plans unravel and secrets emerge. Their alliance both sustains them and entangles them in peril, highlighting the complexity of loyalty.

💰 Crime

Desperate to pay rent, the women resort to deception and theft, drawing in roommates and dangerous acquaintances. The story tracks how quickly a simple plan spirals into a web of deception, coercion, and consequences. The aftermath forces them to confront who they have become and what they’re willing to risk for a new life.

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:01

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Never Going Back Summary

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Never Going Back Summary

Never Going Back Timeline

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Never Going Back Timeline

Never Going Back Spoiler-Free Summary

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Never Going Back Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Never Going Back

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