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Table 19 (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Table 19 (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 87 min · English
JustWatch #1,907 14
Directed by
Jeffrey Blitz
Starring
Anna Kendrick, Craig Robinson, Anthony Quinonez, June Squibb, Stephen Merchant, Lisa Kudrow

After being stood up by her ex at a friend’s wedding, Eloise unexpectedly finds herself seated at a table of strangers. Among the quirky and unconventional guests, she discovers an unlikely sense of community and unexpected romantic possibilities, forging bonds and sharing secrets throughout the celebration.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Table 19
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Table 19 (2017)

Where can you watch Table 19? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Table 19 Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Table 19 (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Eloise McGarry (Anna Kendrick)

    Eloise is an introspective character grappling with feelings of rejection and loneliness after her breakup. Throughout the wedding, she experiences emotional growth as she connects with other out-of-place guests at Table 19. Her journey toward understanding and acceptance is a poignant aspect of the film, illustrating her resilience and capacity for love.

    • 💔 Heartbroken
    • 💪 Resilient
    • 🎊 Social
  • Teddy

    Teddy is Eloise's ex-boyfriend, whose decision to end their relationship profoundly impacts her emotional state during the wedding. His presence at the event serves as a constant reminder of past heartbreak. As the story unfolds, Teddy's character evolves, ultimately leading to a reconciliation with Eloise that highlights themes of forgiveness.

    • 💔 Ex-boyfriend
    • 🔄 Reconciliation
    • 🎉 Groom
  • Jo Flanagan (June Squibb)

    Jo is a childhood nanny of the bride, who brings warmth and wisdom to the table with her comforting presence. Despite battling cancer, she exemplifies strength and empathy, uniting the disparate group with her candidness and insight. Her relationship with Eloise is particularly poignant, as they share moments of vulnerability.

    • 💖 Wise
    • 🌼 Caring
    • ⚔️ Resilient
  • Walter Thimble

    Walter is the cousin of the bride who brings a chaotic energy to Table 19. A former criminal, he adds an unexpected layer of humor to the group, yet also embodies the theme of redemption. His journey from past misdeeds to forming a new 'family' with the table's occupants is both comedic and heartfelt.

    • 😂 Comedic
    • 🔓 Redeemer
    • 🥴 Chaotic

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

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Setting

Where and When Does Table 19 Take Place?

The setting of Table 19 (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern relationships and social issues. It delves into themes of love and friendship in the face of personal turmoil, thus resonating with audiences familiar with today's societal dynamics. The interactions and experiences of the characters reveal contemporary attitudes toward relationships and personal growth.

Location

wedding venue, diner, various locations in the area

The wedding venue serves as the main backdrop for the film, highlighting the dichotomy between joyous celebrations and personal struggles. It is a beautiful setting known for hosting significant events, making it an ideal location for friends and families to gather. Diner scenes with the married couple, Jerry and Bina, provide a glimpse into their everyday lives and further illustrate their dynamics.

  • 🏛️ Venue
  • 🍔 Diner
  • 💍 Wedding

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

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3 major themes

Table 19 Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Table 19 (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heartbreak

    The theme of heartbreak is central to Eloise's experience as she navigates the emotional complexities of attending her ex-boyfriend's wedding. This pain is shared among the characters, each confronting their own relationship challenges and regrets. Through their journey, the film portrays the healing process that follows heartbreak and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and moving forward.

  • Family

    Family dynamics play a significant role in the relationships explored in the film, showcasing the bonds and conflicts that arise in close-knit connections. As the characters bond at Table 19, they reflect on their pasts and the impact of family on their lives. The ultimate resolution highlights the theme of creating one's own family and the importance of support in overcoming life's trials.

  • Celebration

    The backdrop of a wedding celebration serves as a juxtaposition to the personal struggles faced by the characters. It illustrates that life's joyful moments can occur alongside profound pain and reflection. Through the festivities, the film explores how celebrations can be a catalyst for change, forcing characters to confront their issues and connect with one another.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

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Character & theme questions

Table 19 Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Table 19 (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Table 19 set?

The movie takes place primarily at a wedding venue, which serves as the main backdrop for the story. Additional scenes occur at a diner owned by the married couple Jerry and Bina, offering glimpses into their everyday lives.

  • wedding venue
  • diner
  • location
  • setting
Q2

What time period is Table 19 set in?

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationships and social issues. The events unfold during a single wedding day, capturing current attitudes toward love, friendship, and personal growth.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • time period
  • present day
Q3

What are the main themes of Table 19?

The film explores three central themes: heartbreak, as characters confront relationship disappointments and healing; family, showing how people create their own support systems beyond biological bonds; and celebration, juxtaposing festive wedding moments with personal struggles and growth.

  • heartbreak
  • family
  • celebration
  • themes
  • love
  • friendship
Q4

Who is Eloise McGarry in Table 19?

Eloise McGarry, played by Anna Kendrick, is the film's protagonist who was unexpectedly stood up by her ex-boyfriend at a wedding. She is an introspective character dealing with feelings of rejection and loneliness, who finds connection with other outcasts seated at Table 19.

  • eloise mckarry
  • anna kendrick
  • protagonist
  • main character
Q5

Who is Jo Flanagan in Table 19?

Jo Flanagan, played by June Squibb, is the childhood nanny of the bride who brings warmth and wisdom to Table 19. Despite battling cancer, she unites the disparate group with her candidness and empathy, forming a particularly poignant relationship with Eloise.

  • jo flanagan
  • june squibb
  • nanny
  • cancer
  • wisdom
Q6

Who is Walter Thimble in Table 19?

Walter Thimble is the cousin of the bride who brings chaotic energy to Table 19. As a former criminal, he adds humor to the group while embodying the theme of redemption, ultimately forming a new family with the other table guests.

  • walter thimble
  • cousin
  • former criminal
  • redemption
Q7

Who is Teddy in Table 19?

Teddy is Eloise's ex-boyfriend whose decision to end their relationship profoundly impacts her emotional state throughout the wedding. His presence serves as a constant reminder of her past heartbreak, though the story ultimately leads to reconciliation and forgiveness.

  • teddy
  • ex-boyfriend
  • eloise's ex
  • relationship
Q8

Why is the wedding setting important in Table 19?

The wedding celebration serves as a juxtaposition to the personal struggles faced by the characters. It illustrates that joyful moments can occur alongside profound pain and reflection, acting as a catalyst for change and forcing characters to confront their issues.

  • wedding
  • celebration
  • catalyst
  • personal struggle
  • joy
Q9

What does the family theme mean in Table 19?

The film explores family dynamics through the bonds and conflicts in close-knit relationships. As characters gather at Table 19, they reflect on how family has shaped their lives. The resolution emphasizes creating one's own family and the importance of support in overcoming life's trials.

  • family
  • bonds
  • support
  • chosen family
  • relationships
Q10

How does heartbreak factor into Table 19?

Heartbreak is central to Eloise's experience as she navigates attending her ex-boyfriend's wedding. Each character confronts their own relationship challenges and regrets. The film portrays the healing process following heartbreak, emphasizing forgiveness and moving forward.

  • heartbreak
  • healing
  • forgiveness
  • rejection
  • emotional growth
Q11

What is the tone of Table 19?

The film has a bittersweet tone, balancing relatable personal conflicts like being dumped, a failing marriage, and illness with comedic moments. While there are clear wins like reconciliation and new connections, there is also significant loss, creating an emotionally nuanced experience.

  • tone
  • bittersweet
  • comedy
  • drama
  • emotional

Movie threads

More Movies Like Table 19, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Table 19 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Found family stories like Table 19

Outsiders in a social setting discover an unexpected sense of community. If you enjoyed the quirky ensemble and heartfelt connections in Table 19, this collection features movies about groups of outsiders who form an unlikely family. Discover similar comedy-dramas where misfits find community and support in unexpected places.

  • heartfelt
  • quirky
  • awkward
  • lonely
  • hopeful
  • reflective
  • Tone: bittersweet, heartfelt
  • Pacing: steady, conversational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically centers on a group of distinct individuals who are initially isolated or on the fringes of a social event or situation—like a wedding, a workplace, or a neighborhood. Through shared experiences and revealing conversations, their individual flaws and secrets come to light, forging a bond that transforms them from strangers into a chosen family.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared focus on the 'found family' trope, blending bittersweet tones with quirky humor. They explore themes of belonging and personal growth through an ensemble cast, creating a warm, hopeful, yet realistically awkward mood.

Single-day dramedies like Table 19

Life-changing revelations and connections unfold over the course of one event. Looking for more movies like Table 19 that take place over one eventful day? Explore stories where a wedding, party, or reunion forces characters to confront their pasts and forge new connections, all within a tight, steady-paced narrative.

  • reflective
  • heartfelt
  • awkward
  • hopeful
  • contained
  • revelatory
  • Tone: bittersweet, reflective
  • Pacing: steady, linear
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives use a single day or event as a pressure cooker for character development. The linear, steady-paced plot efficiently introduces a cast of characters whose backstories and conflicts are revealed through conversations and small incidents. The confined setting and time limit accelerate bonding, reconciliation, and self-discovery.

Why they belong together: This thread connects films that share a specific structural constraint: a single-day timeline. This creates a unique pacing and intensity, focusing on immediate emotional payoffs and character arcs that feel both contained and significant, often blending comedy and drama in a realistic, grounded way.

If you liked this

Movies Like Table 19

Similar movies to Table 19: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Table 19 (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Table 19 in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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