Once Around

Once Around

Year: 1991

Runtime: 115 mins

Language: English

Director: Lasse Hallström

ComedyDramaRomanceRelationship comedyTouching and sentimental family stories

The Bella family is close‑knit, but Renata's world shifts when she meets charismatic real‑estate salesman Sam Sharpe. Feeling stuck in her career, she attends a sales seminar that sparks a romance with the older, flamboyant Sam. Their passionate bond excites her yet provokes clashes with her protective father Joe and the rest of the family, leaving Renata torn between love and loyalty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Once Around yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Once Around (1991)

Trace every key event in Once Around (1991) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Renata breaks up with Rob

Renata learns that Rob will never propose and ends their relationship. She moves back in with her parents, unsure what comes next.

Before the Caribbean trip Boston
2

Renata travels to the Caribbean for a sales course

Renata travels to the Caribbean to take a course on selling condominiums, seeking a new direction after the breakup. The seminar becomes a turning point as she opens herself to new possibilities.

Shortly after breakup Caribbean
3

Sam Sharpe meets Renata at the training seminar

At the training seminar, Sam Sharpe captures Renata's attention with his charisma and sales prowess. They are instantly drawn to each other, sparked by a high-energy connection.

During the seminar Caribbean
4

Renata brings Sam to Boston to meet the family

Renata introduces Sam to her family in Boston after their rapid connection. His bold, blunt style tests the Bellas, especially Jan, and creates initial tension within the siblings.

After Sam's arrival Boston
5

Jan opposes then blesses Sam

Jan initially dislikes Sam, causing strain in the family dynamics. After some time, she apologizes and gives her blessing to the union, helping the family reconcile.

Soon after Sam's arrival Boston
6

Renata and Sam marry; he moves his business to Boston

Renata and Sam marry, and Sam relocates his business from New York to Boston to spend more time with her. The couple settles into a life with the Bellas as they start a family.

After marriage Boston
7

Memorial for Joe's mother; Sam's song causes controversy

At a memorial for Joe's late mother, Sam attempts to sing in her honor, an act the Bellas deem inappropriate. Marilyn leads the objection as others watch awkwardly. Renata tells Sam he is tearing the family apart, sparking a crisis that they must navigate together.

Memorial moment Boston (memorial)
8

Renata and Sam reconcile; birth of their daughter

Renata and Sam reconcile after the conflict. The next day, Renata gives birth to their daughter, sealing a new chapter for the family.

The day after reconciliation Boston
9

Baptism and Sam's heart attack

During the baptism ceremony, Sam suffers a heart attack and is rushed to the hospital. The family rallies around him as they confront this sudden crisis.

During baptism Church to hospital (Boston)
10

Sam returns home for Christmas in a wheelchair

Now in a wheelchair, Sam is welcomed home to celebrate Christmas with the Bellas. During the Christmas dinner, a cigarette he lights leads to a clash when Renata throws it into a glass of wine.

Christmas Bella residence, Boston
11

Renata and Sam share a quiet moment on the frozen lake

Renata goes skating on a frozen lake with their daughter watching from the shore. Sam watches from a distance, and the moment is heavy with the weight of what the family has endured. Sam passes away while holding his child.

Winter Frozen lake outside Boston
12

Funeral procession on the traffic round-about

Renata mourns Sam at the funeral. Joe directs the procession through several rotations on a traffic round-about, a memory that Sam treasured from his father-in-law. Renata reflects on how Sam changed her life and the time they shared.

After funeral Boston (funeral)

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:02

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Once Around Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Once Around, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Once Around Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Once Around

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Once Around

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