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Plot Summary

That Awkward Moment (2014) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 94 min · English
JustWatch #16,979 6
Directed by
Tom Gormican
Starring
Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Zac Efron
Budget
$8M

Jason and Daniel are devoted bachelors enjoying a carefree lifestyle until their friend Mikey’s divorce forces them to re-evaluate their approach to relationships. They pledge to remain commitment-free, but each finds themselves drawn to someone, leading to awkward encounters and hidden romantic pursuits. Navigating these newfound feelings while trying to maintain their close friendship proves challenging, as secrets and misunderstandings threaten to disrupt their bond and complicate their romantic lives.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like That Awkward Moment
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch That Awkward Moment (2014)

Where can you watch That Awkward Moment? 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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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in That Awkward Moment: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of That Awkward Moment (2014) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

As Jason settles onto a bench in New York City, his reflective voiceover transports viewers back to the roots of his situation. He shares his realization that every romantic relationship eventually hits a turning point – that moment when one partner yearns for greater commitment. For Jason, this is often the harbinger of the end for any potential romance. This insight arises from his desire to hold on to the thrill of casual encounters, which he has come to cherish.

Moving ahead, we find Jason in his routine at a publishing house, working alongside his dependable friend Daniel on book cover designs. They are joined by their colleague Mikey, a former doctor now navigating life as a husband after receiving an unexpected divorce request from his college sweetheart, Vera. To commemorate this significant shift in Mikey's life, the group heads to a local bar to celebrate his newfound freedom.

As they socialize, Daniel’s glamorous friend Chelsea attempts to distract Mikey from his marital woes. It is during this outing that Mikey meets "Glasses," while Jason finds himself drawn to Ellie, connecting instantly after amusingly sabotaging another suitor vying for her affection. Though Mikey finds a promising lead with Glasses, he hesitates to take the next step, focusing instead on unraveling his complicated situation with Vera.

Jason's chemistry with Ellie intensifies, leading him to take a leap forward – only to awkwardly retreat from her apartment after misinterpreting the circumstances, mistakenly believing she is a sex worker. As time goes by, Jason and Daniel traverse the intricate landscape of romance, embarking on distinct journeys with Ellie and Chelsea respectively. The tension runs high as they tiptoe around their earlier agreement to remain unattached, shrouding their relationships in secrecy. Meanwhile, Mikey rekindles his desire for Vera, culminating in a passionate encounter at the hospital that reignites the flames of their romance.

As Thanksgiving nears, the dynamics among the friends become increasingly fraught. Jason grapples with the decision of whether to honor Ellie's invitation to her father's funeral while wrestling with his reluctance to commit fully. Mikey's dinner with Vera turns introspective, prompting her to confront a painful truth: her feelings have waned. Daniel finds himself caught in the turmoil of his evolving emotions for Chelsea.

The holiday meal soon transforms into a confrontation stage where buried secrets resurface and bonds weaken. Ultimately, Jason opts out of attending the funeral, leading to a strain in his relationship with Ellie. Mikey's interaction with Vera acts as a wake-up call, pushing him to recognize the reality of their situation. Daniel's underhanded actions come to light, leaving his connection with Chelsea in disarray.

In the aftermath, the friends must grapple with the consequences of their actions. Mikey reaches out to "Glasses" to explore a new romantic avenue, while Daniel crosses paths with Chelsea once more, potentially mending their bond. However, Jason finds himself in a stasis, yearning for Ellie, who is now absent from his life.

Fast forward two months, and Mikey and Daniel join forces to help Jason navigate his path back to Ellie's heart. They motivate him to seize the moment during her book readings, hoping to rekindle their romance. Nevertheless, fate intervenes, and a crowded reading room leaves Jason feeling perplexed. Undeterred by the odds, he dares to improvise a heartfelt reading that intertwines their shared journey and concludes with a fervent request for a fresh start in Gramercy Park.

As the story circles back to the beginning, we find Jason waiting patiently in Gramercy Park, anticipating Ellie's arrival. Time seems to stretch as the serene ambiance envelopes him, each passing hour marked by the quiet lapping of leaves. Finally, Ellie takes her place beside him on the bench, and he breaks the silence with a casual "So...", opening the door to a potentially enlightening conversation that may unravel the complexities of their intertwined lives.

Last updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:33

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Plot questions answered

That Awkward Moment Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about That Awkward Moment (2014): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Jason leave Ellie's apartment thinking she's a sex worker?

Jason misreads the situation when he sees money on Ellie's counter. He assumes she paid him for services rather than understanding it was perhaps rent money or something unrelated, leading him to awkwardly retreat from her apartment in confusion.

  • jason
  • ellie
  • sex worker
  • misunderstanding
  • apartment
Q2

Why doesn't Mikey pursue his date with Glasses after meeting her at the bar?

Mikey is still emotionally entangled with his ex-wife Vera. Despite meeting Glasses and having a promising connection, he can't move past his complicated feelings for Vera and chooses to focus on trying to salvage his marriage instead.

Foreshadowing: Earlier at the bar, Mikey's distraction by Vera's situation is evident when he meets Glasses but fails to follow through.

  • mikey
  • glasses
  • vera
  • divorce
  • hesitation
Q3

Why does Vera tell Mikey her feelings have changed during their Thanksgiving dinner?

Vera has been processing the divorce request she initiated and has come to terms with the fact that her love for Mikey has faded over time. She admits this painful truth to Mikey during their dinner, explaining that she no longer feels the same way about their relationship.

  • vera
  • mikey
  • feelings
  • thanksgiving
  • divorce
Q4

Why does Jason decide not to attend Ellie's father's funeral?

Jason struggles with commitment and uses his fear of settling down as an excuse to avoid the funeral. His reluctance to fully commit to Ellie manifests in his decision to skip such an important, relationship-defining moment, which damages their connection.

Foreshadowing: Jason's earlier voiceover establishes his pattern of pulling away when relationships demand more commitment.

  • jason
  • ellie
  • funeral
  • commitment
  • fear
Q5

What causes the argument at Thanksgiving dinner among the three friends?

The confrontation erupts when secrets about their hidden relationships finally surface. Jason's absence from the funeral, Mikey's realization about Vera's diminished feelings, and Daniel's secret relationship with Chelsea all collide during the meal, causing tensions to boil over and strain their friendships.

  • thanksgiving
  • argument
  • secrets
  • friends
  • confrontation
Q6

How do Mikey and Daniel help Jason win Ellie back after the breakup?

Two months after the fallout, Mikey and Daniel encourage Jason to attend Ellie's book readings. They motivate him to seize the moment and express his feelings publicly, believing a grand romantic gesture is the only way to prove his commitment to her.

  • mikey
  • daniel
  • jason
  • ellie
  • book reading
  • romance
Q7

Why does the movie start and end with Jason waiting in Gramercy Park?

The circular structure emphasizes Jason's character arc and growth. He begins the story reflecting on relationship turning points, and by returning to the same bench, he completes his journey from fearing commitment to being ready to pursue a serious relationship with Ellie.

  • gramercy park
  • ending
  • beginning
  • circular
  • character arc
Q8

What causes Jason and Daniel to make the commitment-free pact with Mikey?

After Mikey receives a divorce request from Vera, Jason and Daniel pledge to stay single and commitment-free to support their friend during his difficult time. This pact becomes the source of tension as they secretly begin pursuing relationships while trying to maintain their agreement.

  • pact
  • commitment
  • mikey
  • jason
  • daniel
  • friendship
Q9

Why does Daniel keep his relationship with Chelsea a secret from the others?

Daniel is torn between his growing feelings for Chelsea and the pact he made with Jason and Mikey to remain single. He chooses to secretly pursue the relationship while hiding it from his friends, leading to betrayal and conflict when the truth eventually comes out.

  • daniel
  • chelsea
  • secret
  • relationship
  • pact
Q10

How do Jason and Ellie meet at the bar?

Jason meets Ellie at the bar while celebrating Mikey's divorce. He initially catches her attention by comically sabotaging another suitor who was trying to flirt with her, which creates an amusing connection that leads to their first real interaction.

  • jason
  • ellie
  • bar
  • meeting
  • first encounter
Q11

What happens during Ellie's book reading that helps Jason and Ellie reunite?

During one of Ellie's book readings, Jason improvises a heartfelt reading that tells their entire story together. This bold, public gesture demonstrates his genuine feelings and willingness to commit, ultimately convincing Ellie to give their relationship another chance.

  • book reading
  • jason
  • ellie
  • reunion
  • confession
Q12

What happens to Mikey and Glasses after the Thanksgiving confrontation?

After the fallout with Vera, Mikey decides to reach out to Glasses and explore a romantic connection with her. This marks his move forward from his failed marriage and willingness to start fresh with someone new.

  • mikey
  • glasses
  • new relationship
  • move on

Movie threads

More Movies Like That Awkward Moment, by Mood & Story

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

Bromantic Comedies with Commitment Issues like That Awkward Moment

Stories about male friends navigating the minefield of modern dating together. If you liked the dynamic between the friends in That Awkward Moment, you'll enjoy these similar movies about male camaraderie and the fear of commitment. These films explore modern dating, secret relationships, and the challenge of balancing friendship with romance in a light, comedic way.

  • bromantic
  • witty
  • flirtatious
  • urban
  • hopeful
  • mischievous
  • Tone: light, witty, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Movies in this thread follow a group of friends, typically young men, who make a pact to avoid serious relationships. The narrative unfolds through their individual secret romantic pursuits, leading to comedic misunderstandings and eventual confrontations that test their bond, culminating in heartwarming resolutions about love and friendship.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a core focus on male friendship dynamics within a romantic comedy framework. They balance witty, flirtatious humor with genuine moments of vulnerability, all while exploring the relatable anxieties of modern dating and commitment.

Urban Romantic Misadventures like That Awkward Moment

Fast-paced comedies about the awkward and hopeful side of city dating. Find more movies like That Awkward Moment that capture the witty, hopeful, and sometimes awkward experience of dating in a big city. These similar romantic comedies feature a steady pace, light emotional weight, and focus on the humorous misadventures of finding love in an urban setting.

  • urban
  • witty
  • awkward
  • hopeful
  • flirtatious
  • modern
  • Tone: light, witty, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, conversational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves young professionals in a metropolitan setting navigating the complexities of dating apps, casual hookups, and the search for something more meaningful. The story is driven by a series of comedic encounters, misunderstandings, and eventual heartfelt confessions that lead to a satisfying, happy ending.

Why they belong together: These movies share a distinct vibe defined by their urban setting, light tone, and focus on the awkward, funny, and hopeful aspects of modern romance. They provide an entertaining escape into a world of witty banter, romantic pursuits, and the ultimate triumph of love.

If you liked this

Movies Like That Awkward Moment

Similar movies to That Awkward Moment: 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

That Awkward Moment (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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