The Roads Not Taken

The Roads Not Taken

Year: 2020

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Sally Potter

Echo Score: 52
Drama

Leo, portrayed by Javier Bardem, and his daughter Molly, played by Elle Fanning, embark on a poignant journey through New York City. As they travel, Leo’s fractured memories and mental state create a dreamlike atmosphere, revealing alternate versions of his life and the choices that shaped them. Molly, a bright and observant young girl, must grapple with her own aspirations and contemplate the possibilities that lie ahead, understanding the impact of decisions and the weight of the roads not taken.

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The Roads Not Taken (2020) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the bustling streets of New York City, a quietly luminous drama unfolds, stitching together everyday moments with a subtle, dream‑like haze. The city itself feels both familiar and slightly out of focus, as if seen through the fog of memory, inviting the audience to wonder where reality ends and imagination begins. This atmosphere of gentle unreality sets the stage for a story that is less about external conflict and more about the inner landscapes of its characters.

Leo, a man whose mind drifts between the present and fragmented recollections, carries the weight of a life once lived in full color. His condition blurs the boundaries of time, allowing brief, haunting glimpses of paths he might have taken. Yet his most grounding force is the bond with his daughter, an anchor that steadies him even as the world around them shifts. Their daily interactions become a tender choreography, balancing care, frustration, love, and the quiet hope that shared moments might illuminate the shadows of his mind.

Molly is a bright, observant young woman poised on the cusp of her own future. While navigating the demands of adulthood and her own aspirations, she watches her father’s wandering thoughts with both concern and reverence. Their relationship is a delicate dance of responsibility and longing, each learning from the other how to face uncertainty. Through her eyes, the film explores the universal question of how much of ourselves is shaped by the choices we make—and the ones we leave unseen.

The tone remains intimate and contemplative, a lyrical meditation on memory, loss, and the myriad “roads not taken.” Visually, the film blends the gritty texture of the city with soft, almost surreal vignettes that echo the inner turmoil of its protagonists. As the narrative unfolds, it invites viewers to linger in the spaces between what is said and what is felt, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring power of family, the weight of past decisions, and the quiet hope that somewhere, another version of life may be waiting.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 01:21

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The Roads Not Taken Summary

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The Roads Not Taken Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roads Not Taken

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Roads Not Taken

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