Paris Can Wait (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in France, featuring iconic locations like Paris and the charming French countryside. Anne also visits Vezelay, home to the 11th-century Basilica of St. Magdalene, which becomes a significant emotional setting for her journey of self-reflection.

• paris
• vezelay
• france
• french countryside
• basilica
• setting
• locations

The film is set in contemporary, modern-day France. It follows Anne on a present-day road trip through the French culinary and emotional landscape, highlighting themes of personal discovery in a current-day setting.

• modern day
• contemporary
• time period
• present day

The movie explores three interconnected themes: culinary adventure as a pathway to connection, loss and healing through vulnerability, and the unpredictability of human connection. These themes intertwine as Anne discovers pleasure and meaning through food, confronts her grief, and forms an unexpected bond with Jacques.

• themes
• culinary
• gastronomy
• loss
• healing
• connection
• romance

Food serves as both a literal and metaphorical centerpiece in the film. Jacques introduces Anne to the joys of French cuisine during their journey, and the culinary experiences become a vehicle for emotional connection, cultural appreciation, and Anne's awakening to life's pleasures and possibilities.

• food
• wine
• French cuisine
• culinary
• gastronomy
• meal

Anne is a reflective character played by Diane Lane, a photographer grappling with unresolved emotions from her past. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she confronts an emotional void in her marriage and ultimately reevaluates her desires, leading to a transformative experience that embraces new possibilities.

• anne
• diane lane
• protagonist
• photographer
• self discovery

Jacques is a charismatic Frenchman played by Arnaud Viard who becomes Anne's travel companion on her journey to Paris. He serves as a catalyst for Anne's introspection, introducing her to French cuisine and vulnerability while sharing his own family history, ultimately drawing her into a transformative experience.

• jacques
• arnaud viard
• romantic interest
• catalyst
• companion

Michael is Anne's husband, a successful film producer portrayed by Alec Baldwin. He represents conventional success but appears emotionally disconnected from Anne, providing a stark contrast to Jacques and highlighting the emotional gap in their marriage that propels Anne's journey of self-discovery.

• michael
• alec baldwin
• husband
• marriage
• contrast character

Vezelay and the Basilica of St. Magdalene serve as a poignant emotional turning point for Anne. The visit provides her with solace and space to reflect on her past loss, making the historic site a meaningful backdrop for her healing process and deeper connection with Jacques.

• vezelay
• basilica
• st magdalene
• church
• reflection
• grief

The film delicately explores grief through Anne's unresolved emotions and her visit to the Basilica, where she confronts her past loss. The healing process unfolds through her vulnerability and bonding with Jacques over shared struggles, showing that healing comes through connection and openness to new experiences.

• loss
• grief
• healing
• vulnerability
• emotional journey
• trauma

Paris Can Wait is a drama-comedy-romance with a light, charming tone despite its handling of grief. The film features slow, leisurely pacing that mirrors a meandering vacation, emphasizing sensory experiences and atmosphere over plot progression, ultimately leading to a happy, optimistic ending.

• genre
• comedy
• drama
• romance
• tone
• light
• charming