The Daytrippers

The Daytrippers

Year: 1997

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Director: Greg Mottola

DramaComedy

When Eliza suspects her husband is having an affair, she impulsively drags her eccentric family on a whirlwind search for answers. Their chaotic journey through the city exposes long-held secrets and confronts them with uncomfortable truths about themselves and their relationships. Amidst the humor and heartbreak, they discover the strength and resilience of family bonds, even when faced with dysfunction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Daytrippers (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Daytrippers (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the film seem to occur in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationship dynamics and societal norms. The story captures the essence of a family venture during a holiday period, suggesting themes of loyalty and deception that resonate with ordinary family life.

Location

Long Island, New York City

The movie takes place in the bustling atmosphere of New York City, renowned for its vibrant culture and urban life, alongside the suburban charm of Long Island. Long Island is known for its beautiful landscapes and residential areas, serving as a contrasting backdrop to the hectic cityscape where the main encounters of the story unfold.

🗽 New York 🚗 Road Trip

Last Updated: February 04, 2025 at 09:32

Main Characters – The Daytrippers (1997)

Meet the key characters of The Daytrippers (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eliza (Hope Davis)

Eliza is a determined and emotionally vulnerable woman who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her husband's fidelity. Her character showcases resilience and a deep sense of betrayal, as she grapples with the complexities of love and family loyalty.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Betrayal 💪 Resilience

Louis (Stanley Tucci)

Louis is depicted as a charming yet deceptive husband whose actions catalyze the family's journey. His choices challenge the norms of commitment and fidelity, ultimately leading to a deeper investigation into his character and relationships.

🤵 Deceit 😔 Ambiguity

Jo (Parker Posey)

Jo is portrayed as a free-spirited and impulsive sister who adds a layer of drama to the family dynamics. Her interactions, especially with Eddie, reveal her search for connection amidst familial chaos, often leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Romance 🎭 Individuality

Carl (Liev Schreiber)

Carl is Jo's boyfriend, a character who embodies intellectual arrogance that creates friction both within the family and in his relationship. His perspective on the American political landscape reflects his self-righteous attitude, ultimately complicating matters as family loyalty is tested.

📚 Intellectual ⚔️ Conflict

Rita (Anne Meara)

Rita is a concerned mother who demonstrates the complexities of parental protection and interference. Her instincts to shield her daughter often clash with the family's needs for independence and truth, creating a tension that embodies familial love.

👩‍👩‍👧 Family 😩 Concern

Last Updated: February 04, 2025 at 09:32

Major Themes – The Daytrippers (1997)

Explore the central themes of The Daytrippers (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Infidelity

The central theme of infidelity runs through the narrative as Eliza confronts the distressing possibility of her husband's betrayal. This theme explores the emotional turmoil and the complexities of relationships when trust is broken, leading the characters to seek answers and confrontations.

🚗 Family Dynamics

The road trip represents the theme of family dynamics, showcasing each member's personality and how they interact under stress. The varying perspectives on loyalty and support are revealed during their quest to uncover the truth about Louis, highlighting the bonds and tensions within the family.

❤️ Self-Discovery

As Eliza navigates her heartbreak and familial expectations, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. This theme points to her quest for identity amidst chaos, illustrating how personal crises can lead to profound insights about oneself and relationships.

Last Updated: February 04, 2025 at 09:32

Unlock the Full Story of The Daytrippers

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Daytrippers 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 The Daytrippers is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Daytrippers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Daytrippers, 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.

The Daytrippers Summary

The Daytrippers Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Daytrippers with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Daytrippers Timeline

More About The Daytrippers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Daytrippers: 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 The Daytrippers

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