Note: This film is a carefully crafted amalgamation of the two poignant films, Eleanor Rigby: Him and Eleanor Rigby: Her.
In the opening scene, we find Connor, portrayed by James McAvoy, and Eleanor, played by Jessica Chastain, enjoying what appears to be a typical date at a cozy local restaurant in New York City. As the evening progresses, an unexpected twist unfolds when Connor admits to Eleanor that he's short on cash to cover their meal. They impulsively decide to dine and dash, which leads them to wander into the picturesque expanse of Central Park, where laughter fills the air as they collapse into soft grass, momentarily forgetting their troubles and delighting in the glow of fireflies dancing around them.
However, the tone shifts dramatically in the subsequent scene. While cycling over a bridge in New York, Eleanor reaches the depths of despair and resorts to a shocking act of self-harm, leaping from the barrier into the frigid waters of the Hudson River. Thankfully, she is rescued just in time, and soon after, Connor arrives at the hospital to stay by her side, demonstrating his unwavering support.
Days pass, and Eleanor is taken home by her sister, Katy, portrayed by Jess Weixler, back to their childhood house in Westport, which is also occupied by Katy and her young son. Faced with uncertainty about her future after her traumatic experience, Eleanor heeds the advice of her father and chooses to re-enroll at a local university. With determination, she persuades the administration to allow her into a class taught by Professor Lilian Friedman, skillfully played by Viola Davis. This new academic relationship blossoms, providing Eleanor with a much-needed anchor in her tumultuous life.
On the other side of the city, Connor grapples with loneliness, leading him to move back in with his father in a lavish row-house. In a candid conversation with his best friend Stu, portrayed by Bill Hader, who works as a cook at Connor's restaurant, Connor learns of Eleanor’s presence at NYU. An idea strikes him, and soon he begins to shadow Eleanor’s journey.
One fateful day, Connor surprises Eleanor during one of her classes by slipping her a simple note that reads “Hi.” This seemingly innocent gesture spirals into a heated confrontation outside the classroom, where Eleanor furiously demands Connor respect her wishes to be left alone. The encounter takes a dangerous turn when Connor, distracted, is struck by a taxi on his way out, leaving Eleanor to stay by his side until an ambulance arrives.
In the backdrop of their complicated relationship, Eleanor's father pushes for her to visit a psychiatrist, revealing to the audience the deep-seated grief she harbors from the tragic loss of her son. Meanwhile, Connor faces financial struggles at his restaurant, leading to a moment of vulnerability that results in a one-night stand with Alexis, played by Nina Arianda.
As Connor attempts to reconnect with Eleanor, he faces resistance from her mother-in-law, Mary, who subtly implies that their desires have diverged significantly. After an exchange with Katy about Connor's visit, the urge to confront him becomes too strong for Eleanor. She ventures to Connor's failing restaurant, only to be met with the harsh reality of his struggles. In a nostalgic emotional gesture, she suggests they embark on an impromptu road trip, reminiscent of their earlier days together.
As they drive through the countryside, a storm brews, leading to a stalled car due to a malfunctioning windshield wiper. In a moment of intimacy, Eleanor's attempt to rekindle their physical connection reveals the unresolved tension between them, prompting her to leave the vehicle before they return home.
The next evening finds Eleanor out with Katy, attempting to shake off her melancholy spirits by seeking fleeting connections in a nightclub, yet finds herself unable to follow through. Meanwhile, a heart-to-heart conversation with his father at the family restaurant motivates Connor to embrace more responsibility, accepting a managerial position.
At NYU, Eleanor seeks closure and informs Professor Lilian of her decision to withdraw from her class. Concurrently, Connor returns to his former apartment to clean out remnants of their shared life. There, they encounter one another once more, stirring memories and emotions as they face the haunting reality of their lost child. Their passionate moment culminates in another brief encounter, but afterwards, Eleanor retreats back to her family, considering a significant change. Encouraged by her mother, she prepares to leave for Paris, where she intends to finish her anthropology dissertation.
As timing plays its fickle hand, Eleanor bids farewell to her family, leaving behind uncertainty in her nephew's innocent question about her return. The scene shifts to Connor, who has settled back into his father's restaurant, where he and his friends grapple with their own past decisions. A stroll through Central Park as the evening sky sets the stage for an unexpected encounter, with Connor obliviously followed by a figure that eerily resembles Eleanor, leaving the audience on the edge of anticipation for what the future may hold for both of them.
