The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in New York City, with significant scenes also set in Westport, Connecticut. Central Park serves as a reflective sanctuary within the city, contrasting with the quieter suburban environment of Westport where Eleanor's family roots lie.

• new york city
• westport
• central park
• setting
• locations

New York City represents the fast-paced, chaotic world where Connor and Eleanor navigate their grief amidst the hustle of modern life. Westport, as a quieter suburban setting, symbolizes Eleanor's familial roots and the personal challenges she faces returning to a more grounded environment while dealing with her loss.

• new york
• westport
• contrast
• setting meaning
• environment

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationships and the current era's approach to coping with grief and personal struggles in a fast-paced society.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• era

Grief is the central theme, specifically centered on the loss of a child. The film explores how devastating grief can lead to isolation and destroy connections with loved ones, fundamentally affecting personal identity and relationships.

• grief
• loss of child
• sadness
• emotional struggle

Rebirth is illustrated through Eleanor's journey to reclaim her life after tragedy. Her decision to return to school and contemplation of moving to Paris represent her search for a fresh start and personal restoration of hope amid despair.

• rebirth
• new beginnings
• hope
• self-discovery
• paris

The film shows how past relationships can be both a source of comfort and pain. Eleanor and Connor's dynamic demonstrates how grief complicates love, making reconnecting difficult while carrying the weight of shared memories and unresolved feelings.

• love
• loss
• relationship
• marriage
• grief

Connor, played by James McAvoy, is a devoted but troubled man struggling with his crumbling marriage after the loss of his child. His love for Eleanor remains steadfast, but he grapples with helplessness while navigating both professional and personal life, illustrating the impact of heartache and search for purpose after loss.

• connor
• james mcavoy
• husband
• main character

Eleanor, played by Jessica Chastain, is the central character overcoming profound grief and emotional turmoil after losing her son. Her journey from despair to self-discovery drives the narrative, reflecting her struggle to cope with past losses while seeking a renewed sense of identity.

• eleanor
• jessica chastain
• wife
• main character

Katy, Eleanor's sister, provides vital support during Eleanor's crisis, highlighting the importance of familial bonds. She helps Eleanor navigate her struggles while dealing with her own challenges of motherhood, emphasizing themes of family support and sisterly love.

• katy
• jess weixler
• sister
• family support

The film has a melancholic tone driven by pervasive sadness from child loss, which informs every character action. The pacing is slow and reflective, focusing on internal emotional states rather than fast-paced plot movement, creating an emotionally heavy but not constantly tense experience.

• tone
• melancholy
• emotional
• sadness
• mood

The title references the famous Beatles song about loneliness and loss, which aligns thematically with the film's exploration of grief, isolation, and the emotional distance between people who love each other but cannot connect.

• eleanor rigby
• title meaning
• beatles
• symbolism

Yes, the ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the characters' future uncertain after their final encounter. This reinforces the film's themes of unresolved grief and the difficulty of finding closure, reflecting the real-life complexity of healing from profound loss.

• ending
• ambiguous
• closure
• unresolved
• uncertain future