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

The film takes place primarily in New York City, with significant scenes set in Westport, Connecticut. Key locations include Central Park, which serves as a backdrop for pivotal emotional moments, and the Hudson River area. New York City represents the bustling urban life Eleanor and Connor navigate, while Westport symbolizes Eleanor's family home and a place of refuge during her grief.

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

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues and personal struggles. The narrative presents current-day settings, technology, and social contexts, allowing the story's themes of grief, relationships, and mental health to resonate with present-day audiences.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• present day

Grief is one of the central themes, centered on Eleanor's struggle to cope with the loss of her son. The theme intricately weaves into the characters' interactions and decisions, highlighting the long-lasting impact of loss on relationships. The film portrays the difficult journey of trying to heal and find closure after profound tragedy.

• grief
• loss
• death
• child loss
• mourning
• healing

The theme of love and healing is explored through the complicated relationship between Connor and Eleanor. Despite their separation and personal struggles, an underlying connection drives their actions throughout the film. Their journey illustrates how love can be both a source of pain and a potential means of healing, even when the characters are uncertain whether reconciliation is possible.

• love
• healing
• relationship
• reconciliation
• marriage
• emotional recovery

Reinvention is prominent as Eleanor attempts to reconstruct her life after experiencing profound loss. Her decision to return to school and move to different places signifies her quest for identity and purpose amidst turmoil. This theme reflects the necessity of personal growth and transformation in the face of adversity, showing how rebuilding oneself is both painful and necessary.

• reinvention
• identity
• personal growth
• transformation
• new beginning
• self-discovery

Eleanor Rigby, played by Jessica Chastain, is the film's protagonist marked by her struggles with grief and identity. She oscillates between moments of vulnerability and strength as she grapples with the loss of her son and her strained relationship with Connor. Her journey captures the essence of seeking solace and redefining oneself after tragedy, representing the painful process of healing.

• eleanor rigby
• jessica chastain
• protagonist
• grief
• identity

Connor, played by James McAvoy, is Eleanor's husband, depicted as a determined yet troubled individual. He navigates the complexities of his marriage and the responsibilities of running his restaurant. His love for Eleanor is palpable, yet he struggles with betrayal and the repercussions of their separation, making his journey one of self-discovery and redemption while dealing with his own emotional wounds.

• connor
• james mcavoy
• husband
• restaurant
• marriage
• betrayal

The film features several important supporting characters: Professor Lilian Friedman (Viola Davis) serves as a mentor figure who encourages Eleanor's growth and healing as she returns to academia; Katy is Eleanor's supportive sister who represents family expectations during crisis; and Stu (Bill Hader) is Connor's best friend who provides comic relief while also highlighting the pain of failed relationships.

• lilian friedman
• viola davis
• katy
• Stu
• bill hader
• supporting characters
• mentor

The film has a melancholic tone characterized by a pervasive atmosphere of sadness, grief, and reflection. The pacing is slow, focusing on internal emotional states and the quiet aftermath of trauma. While there are lighter flashback moments, the overall emotional weight is heavy, centering on the loss of a child and resulting depression. The experience is somber but not relentlessly stressful, with internal and character-driven tension.

• tone
• mood
• melancholic
• emotional
• atmosphere
• pacing
• heavy

Central Park serves as a serene getaway within bustling New York City and functions as a backdrop for pivotal emotional moments in the story. The park represents a space where characters can confront their feelings away from the chaos of urban life. It becomes particularly meaningful in the film's ending, symbolizing both separation and the lingering connection between Eleanor and Connor.

Foreshadowing: The park appears early as a place of refuge, echoing its significance at the film's conclusion.

• central park
• new york
• symbolism
• location
• ending
• connection

The title references the Beatles song 'Eleanor Rigby,' a mournful ballad about loneliness and loss. This connection reinforces the film's themes of grief, isolation, and the search for meaning after tragedy. The reference sets up the audience to expect a story about emotional depth and the pain of disconnection, aligning with Eleanor's journey through grief.

• title
• eleanor rigby
• beatles
• symbolism
• meaning
• reference