Our Souls at Night

Our Souls at Night

Year: 2017

Runtime: 101 mins

Language: English

Director: Ritesh Batra

DramaRomanceMoving relationship storiesHeartbreaking and moving family dramaTouching and sentimental family stories

Addie Moore and Louis Waters are longtime neighbors, both widowed and living quiet lives. After years of polite distance, Addie unexpectedly proposes they share a bed, not for romance, but for companionship. Their unconventional arrangement leads to a surprising and intimate connection as they navigate grief, loneliness, and the possibility of a new chapter in their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – Our Souls at Night (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Our Souls at Night (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

The story unfolds in present-day Holt, Colorado, a quiet Colorado town. It follows two widowed neighbors as they navigate social expectations, aging, and the possibility of companionship later in life. Everyday details—visits, conversations, and family concerns—ground the romance in a modern, recognizable setting.

Location

Holt, Colorado

Set in the fictitious small Colorado town of Holt, the film centers on two widowed neighbors seeking connection. Holt's close-knit streets and familiar faces make gossip commonplace and personal lives easy to discuss. The town's atmosphere of quiet routines highlights the emotional stakes of forming a new bond in later life.

🏔️ Small town Colorado 🏘️ Close-knit community 💬 Gossip culture

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:41

Main Characters – Our Souls at Night (2017)

Meet the key characters of Our Souls at Night (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Addie Moore (Jane Fonda)

A widowed neighbor who seeks companionship with Louis to combat loneliness. Practical, compassionate, and introspective, she challenges social norms by inviting closeness without rushing into romance. Her decision to share nights with Louis is both brave and pragmatic, shaped by years of looking after others.

💖 Kindness 🧭 Independent 🤝 Loyal

Louis Waters (Robert Redford)

A widower who forms a fragile bond with Addie after years of neighborly distance. He is reserved and reflective, wrestling with his past marital infidelity and the scrutiny of their small town. His willingness to try again reveals a longing for connection and a need to redefine loneliness.

🕰️ Experienced 💬 Thoughtful 🔒 Guarded

Jamie (Iain Armitage)

Addie's grandson who spends the summer with her after his parents' breakup. He is curious, observant, and quick to form bonds, especially with Louis and the new dog they adopt. His presence brings warmth and a sense of family continuity to the evolving relationship.

🧒 Curious 🐶 Dog-loving 🎯 Adaptable

Ruth (Phyllis Somerville)

Addie's longtime friend who provides warmth, humor, and a sounding board for loneliness. She becomes part of the social circle around the romance, offering support and perspective. Her later passing marks an emotional turning point and underscores themes of friendship and resilience.

🌸 Compassionate 💬 Witty 🕊️ Loyal

Gene (Matthias Schoenaerts)

Addie's son who disapproves of his mother's relationship due to past affairs. He worries about how the union will affect his sister and their family dynamics. His protective stance highlights the broader tensions between personal happiness and family reputation.

⚖️ Protective 🧠 Concerned 🔥 Tense

Holly (Judith Greer)

Louis's daughter who expresses concern about her father’s hearing and wellbeing while balancing care with caution. She remains connected to the family and the evolving life of her father, reflecting intergenerational perspectives on aging.

👩‍💼 Concerned 🗣️ Protective 📞 Family-first

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:41

Major Themes – Our Souls at Night (2017)

Explore the central themes of Our Souls at Night (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Love in Later Life

Two widowed neighbors, Addie and Louis, find solace and renewal in each other's company. Their relationship challenges the town’s gossip and conventional expectations about romance after retirement. The film treats aging romance with tenderness, humor, and honesty, showing that connection can bloom at any age. Their evolving bond becomes a quiet act of courage against loneliness.

🗣️ Gossip vs Privacy

Holt's residents eagerly discuss others' lives, turning rumors into social currency. Addie and Louis confront the sting of gossip and the pressure to conform to public opinion. The film uses this tension to explore privacy, reputation, and the cost of judgment. It shows how truth and discretion matter in intimate relationships.

👪 Family and Loyalty

Family loyalties complicate Addie and Louis' choices, especially with Gene and Jamie in the mix. Gene's disapproval and Jamie's summer presence test the balance between personal happiness and family duty. The story suggests that chosen family—neighbors, friends, and loved ones—can matter as much as blood ties. It treats family obligations with nuance rather than melodrama.

🕯️ Memory and Mortality

The film contends with aging, memory, and the fragility of life as Ruth's passing and other health concerns surface. Characters reflect on past decisions, regrets, and the value of honest connections. Mortality frames the choices Addie and Louis make about companionship and moving forward. The ending leaves space for memory to sustain relationships even as circumstances change.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:41

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Our Souls at Night Summary

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Our Souls at Night Summary

Our Souls at Night Timeline

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Our Souls at Night Timeline

More About Our Souls at Night

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