Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set primarily in Brooklyn, New York, with significant portions taking place in Pennsylvania. Autumn and Skylar travel from their small Pennsylvania town to NYC to access reproductive healthcare, highlighting the contrast between their restrictive home environment and the more supportive urban setting.

• setting
• locations
• brooklyn
• pennsylvania
• new york city

The story takes place in contemporary times, reflecting current real-world issues surrounding women's reproductive rights and healthcare access in America. The film directly addresses the ongoing struggles young women face navigating restrictive state laws and systemic barriers.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern era
• current events

The film centers on three major themes: Empowerment, as Autumn seeks autonomy over her body and future; Sisterhood, through the deep bond between Autumn and Skylar; and Reproductive Rights, examining the healthcare access challenges many young women encounter in America.

• themes
• empowerment
• sisterhood
• reproductive rights

Autumn Callahan is the film's protagonist, a sensitive and resilient teenager portrayed by Sidney Flanigan. She navigates an unplanned pregnancy while seeking autonomy and agency in her difficult circumstances. Her character embodies quiet strength and emotional depth as she confronts both societal pressures and family challenges.

• autumn
• protagonist
• main character
• sidney flanigan

Skylar is Autumn's cousin and closest friend, played by Talia Ryder. She provides unwavering emotional support throughout Autumn's journey, demonstrating loyalty, compassion, and youthful energy. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the film, showcasing how sisterhood and female friendships provide strength during crises.

• skylar
• cousin
• friend
• supporting character
• talia ryder

Ted is Autumn's stepfather, portrayed by Ryan Eggold. He represents a dismissive and unsupportive figure in Autumn's life, contributing to her sense of isolation. His lack of understanding and empathy highlights the emotional challenges Autumn faces at home, reinforcing why she must seek help outside her immediate family.

• ted
• stepfather
• antagonist
• family conflict

Autumn's mother, played by Sharon Van Etten, embodies the complex dynamics between parental expectations and a daughter's growing independence. She is aware of Autumn's hardships but struggles to provide adequate support, caught between misunderstanding and the limitations of her own perspective. Her character reflects the nuanced family tensions that complicate Autumn's situation.

• mother
• family
• parent
• autumn's family

The film directly addresses the complexities surrounding abortion access in America, particularly for young women in restrictive states. Autumn's journey to New York illustrates the systemic barriers created by parental consent laws and the difficult choices many women must navigate. The narrative calls attention to the real-world impact of legislation on individual lives.

• abortion
• reproductive rights
• healthcare access
• laws
• consent

Empowerment emerges through Autumn's determination to take control of her own body and future despite oppressive circumstances. Her willingness to travel alone to a unfamiliar city to make a difficult decision demonstrates personal agency. The film shows how seeking autonomy, even in desperate circumstances, can be an act of profound resilience.

• autonomy
• agency
• empowerment
• resilience
• choice

Autumn and Skylar travel to Brooklyn, New York, because Pennsylvania's stringent parental consent laws prevent minors from accessing abortion services without involving a parent. Brooklyn's reputation for diverse, progressive healthcare provides them a supportive environment where Autumn can receive the care she needs confidentially.

• brooklyn
• healthcare
• abortion access
• travel
• new york

The film employs a restrained, observational style that creates a melancholic and tense atmosphere. While the subject matter is emotionally heavy, the director avoids melodrama, instead using quiet, somber scenes to convey Autumn's internal struggle. The tone balances sorrow with moments of genuine human connection and resilience.

• tone
• mood
• style
• atmosphere
• emotional weight

Pennsylvania represents the restrictive home environment that forces Autumn and Skylar to travel. The state's strict parental consent laws for reproductive healthcare create the central conflict, demonstrating how legislation directly impacts young women's lives. This setting underscores the film's commentary on systemic barriers in healthcare access.

• pennsylvania
• state laws
• restrictions
• parental consent
• healthcare barriers