See You in the Morning

See You in the Morning

Year: 1989

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

Director: Alan J. Pakula

RomanceDrama

Three years after divorcing his model wife, psychologist Larry Livingstone is ready to love again. He meets Beth, a widow with two grieving children still mourning their father. Larry struggles to break through their reservations while dealing with his ex‑wife and his own kids. Eventually the family embraces a second chance and moves forward together.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen See You in the Morning 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 – See You in the Morning (1989)

Trace every key event in See You in the Morning (1989) 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

Peter's tragedy and Beth's heartbreak

Three years after Beth's marriage to Peter, Peter suddenly becomes paralyzed in his hands and then commits suicide, leaving Beth and their two children heartbroken. The tragedy shatters the Goodwins' stability and forces Beth to face a future without him. At the same time, Larry's life unravels as his wife Jo and their two children move to London after their split.

Three years after the initial setup
2

Jo and the kids relocate to London

Jo and the two children relocate to London following the split with Larry. The move ends the immediate Larry–Jo household and marks a new phase as both families adjust to distant or altered relationships.

Shortly after Peter's death and the subsequent split London
3

Larry and Beth meet at a party

At a party thrown by Martin and Sidney, Larry is introduced to Beth and feels an immediate attraction. Jo attends the party with her new flame, actor Jack, which adds tension to the gathering and underscores evolving romantic entanglements.

At the party Party (New York)
4

Larry spends the night with Beth

By the end of the night, Larry goes home with Beth and is warmly welcomed by her children, Cathy and Petey. This encounter marks the beginning of a deeper connection between Larry and Beth and signals the start of their intertwined lives.

That night Beth's home
5

Blending families proves difficult

Larry introduces his children Robin and Billy to the Goodwins, but the two sets fail to blend smoothly. Robin blames her father for replacing Jo, and the friction leads to the postponement of their planned wedding.

After initial dating New York
6

Sidney's advice and Larry's Cupid moment

Sidney advises Beth to give Larry another chance, explaining that love isn't always perfect by recalling Martin's past adultery. Meanwhile, Larry, playing Cupid, dresses up and convinces Beth to marry him.

Shortly after friction Beth's home
7

The engagement and decision to marry

Beth decides to marry Larry; Larry proposes and Beth accepts. The moment is framed as a hopeful step toward a blended family and a new chapter for both households.

Shortly after the Cupid moment New York
8

Concerns about the future and moving plans

Beth worries about being abandoned again, fearing Larry might leave her as Peter did. Larry reassures her and proposes they move to a new apartment, noting that their current residence would always be Cathy and Petey's father's place. The move is opposed by Beth's children, adding pressure to their plans.

Before the move New York
9

Cathy's rebellion and Bloomingdale's incident

While Beth is overseas for work, Cathy begins to rebel and is arrested for shoplifting at Bloomingdale's. The incident reveals the strain in the family and foreshadows further challenges for the blended household.

During Beth's overseas worktrip Bloomingdale's, NYC
10

Neenie's death and Larry's comfort toward Jo

Since Neenie's death, Larry's focus shifts to comforting his ex-wife Jo and her children. Jo's family situation remains fragile as she navigates grief and lingering feelings for Larry.

After Neenie's death New York
11

Jo's confession and Larry's reassurance

Jo admits that she still loves Larry, leaving him uncertain about his own path. He reassures Beth that he did not commit adultery, even though he still feels connected to Jo.

Following Jo's confession Beth's home
12

Misunderstanding and appreciation

Cathy and Petey mistake Beth and Larry's night of making love for a violent struggle. The misunderstanding leads the children to realize how much they actually appreciate Larry and the efforts to keep the family together.

After the night of intimacy The Goodwins' home
13

A fresh start in a new house

The family decides to move to a new house, signaling a renewed commitment to building a stable, blended family. The move represents a fresh start and the hope of harmony for Cathy, Petey, Robin, Billy, Beth, and Larry.

End of the story New home location

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:24

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about second chances after grief like See You in the Morning

Hopeful romances that are deeply intertwined with the process of grieving.If you liked the bittersweet and hopeful tone of See You in the Morning, you'll appreciate these similar movies. They are tender dramas about characters finding love and new families while dealing with significant loss, blending melancholy with moments of heartfelt connection.

bittersweetmelancholichopefultenderromanticintrospectivesomberreflective

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow characters who have experienced a profound loss—death, divorce, or another ending. The central plot involves a new relationship that offers hope, but this new beginning is constantly shadowed by the past. The journey is about integrating memory with the present, leading to an emotionally earned, hopeful resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared emotional tone: a poignant blend of sadness and hope. They share a focus on mature, character-driven relationships, a steady pacing that allows for emotional processing, and a central theme of rebuilding life and love after a major emotional setback.

Dramas about blended families like See You in the Morning

Stories about the quiet, complex work of creating a new family unit.Fans of See You in the Morning who enjoyed its realistic portrayal of a blended family will find similar stories here. These movies explore the complexities, heartaches, and triumphs of merging two family units, often dealing with grief, ex-partners, and the slow process of building trust.

family dramatenderreflectiveheartfeltcomplex relationshipsparentingemotionalhopeful

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around adults bringing their children from previous relationships into a new household. Conflict arises from the children's resistance, loyalty to a past parent, and the adults' own unresolved issues. The story unfolds through a series of small, meaningful interactions that slowly build understanding and acceptance, culminating in a hard-won sense of unity.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their central plot focus on the blended family dynamic. They share a moderate complexity due to multiple character perspectives, a steady pacing that reflects the gradual nature of family integration, and a common set of themes including parenting, grief, and moving on.

Unlock the Full Story of See You in the Morning

Don't stop at just watching — explore See You in the Morning in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what See You in the Morning is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

See You in the Morning Summary

Read a complete plot summary of See You in the Morning, 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.

See You in the Morning Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in See You in the Morning

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape See You in the Morning. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in See You in the Morning

See You in the Morning Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of See You in the Morning that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

See You in the Morning Spoiler-Free Summary

More About See You in the Morning

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about See You in the Morning: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About See You in the Morning

Similar Movies to See You in the Morning

Discover movies like See You in the Morning that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.