One True Loves (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is primarily set in Maine, specifically in the small coastal town of Acton, known for its scenic lighthouses and serene atmosphere. The story also briefly touches on Alaska, where the original tragedy occurred, and California, representing Jesse's new life.

• maine
• acton
• setting
• locations
• alaska
• california

The story unfolds in contemporary modern times, with the narrative moving between past and present to show how relationships have evolved over the years.

• modern
• contemporary
• time period
• present day

The movie explores three core themes: love and loss, as Emma navigates her feelings for both Jesse and Sam while dealing with grief; rediscovery, as characters reflect on who they've become after time apart; and homecoming, symbolized by Emma returning to her family's bookstore.

• love
• loss
• rediscovery
• homecoming
• themes
• grief

Emma Blair is the film's protagonist, portrayed by Phillipa Soo. After her first love Jesse disappeared in a helicopter crash four years prior, she rebuilt her life and became engaged to her best friend Sam. Her journey centers on confronting renewed feelings for Jesse and reconciling her past with her present, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery.

• emma blair
• protagonist
• Phillipa Soo
• love triangle
• grief

Jesse is Emma's first love, portrayed by Luke Bracey, who disappeared in a helicopter crash in Alaska. His unexpected return disrupts Emma's settled life and represents both nostalgia and unresolved feelings. His journey involves redemption and accepting the changes that time has created in their relationship.

• jesse
• first love
• helicopter crash
• return
• redemption

Sam, played by Simu Liu, is Emma's childhood best friend who becomes her fiancé. He embodies loyalty and support throughout her journey. His character represents the safe, stable choice in Emma's life, and he grapples with the emotional complexity of his friendship with Emma evolving into something more while facing Jesse's return.

• sam
• Simu Liu
• best friend
• fiancé
• childhood friend

Emma's family's bookstore in Acton, Maine serves as a symbol of homecoming and healing. It represents Emma's roots and the comfort of familiarity. The bookstore becomes a backdrop for her personal rediscovery, illustrating how one's past shapes their present life and future aspirations.

• bookstore
• home
• healing
• roots
• Acton
• Maine

The central conflict revolves around Emma being torn between two loves: her presumed-dead first love Jesse who suddenly returns, and her fiancé Sam, her best friend who helped her rebuild her life. Neither man is positioned as a villain, creating a nuanced love triangle where Emma must choose between her past and present.

• love triangle
• choice
• conflict
• jesse
• sam
• emma

The film has a bittersweet tone, balancing the miraculous nature of Jesse's return with the emotional dilemma it creates. Rather than a pure celebration, the story sits with emotional ambiguity, acknowledging that people's lives change and that happy endings can include lingering 'what-ifs.'

• bittersweet
• emotional tone
• ambiguity
• tone
• mood

The movie explores grief as a complex, ongoing process rather than a linear journey. Emma's experience shows how loss shapes identity, how rebuilding a life doesn't erase the past, and how returning to one's roots can be part of healing. The story acknowledges that moving on doesn't mean forgetting.

• grief
• loss
• moving on
• healing
• emotional journey

Marie, portrayed by Michaela Conlin, is Emma's supportive sister who provides wisdom and guidance during Emma's moments of crisis. She represents familial bonds and the importance of having a support system during difficult times, adding warmth and understanding to Emma's emotional journey.

• marie
• sister
• family
• support
• Michaela Conlin