The Simple Things

The Simple Things

Year: 2015

Runtime: 26 mins

Language: Spanish

Director: Álvaro Anguita

Drama

Penelope, a civil servant, cares for her mother who is struggling with Alzheimer’s. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Ulises, an elderly man who has lost his memory and identification. Feeling compassion, Penelope convinces Ulises that he is her father and needs to return home to care for his wife, leading to a complex and heartwarming situation.

The Simple Things (2015) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Simple Things (2015) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet, everyday world where routine often feels like a safe harbor, Penelope balances the demands of a modest civil‑service job with the tender, relentless care of her mother, who is navigating the fragile terrain of Alzheimer’s. The film paints a picture of a life stitched together by small acts of devotion, office paperwork, and the gentle rhythm of a family trying to hold onto memories that slip away. Its tone is warm and observant, inviting the audience to feel the comfort—and the strain—of looking after those we love while still keeping a foot in the wider world of civic responsibility.

A chance encounter introduces an elderly stranger, Ulises, whose own story is marked by a lost past and a missing identity. He drifts into Penelope’s orbit at a moment when both of their lives are marked by uncertainty, and their meeting sparks a quiet curiosity that hints at deeper connections. The setting remains grounded in the ordinary—a bustling city, a modest apartment, the gentle hum of daily routines—yet a subtle undercurrent of compassion and moral imagination lifts the narrative beyond mere circumstance.

As Penelope’s empathy guides her actions, the film hints at an unexpected arrangement that could redefine what family means for both of them. Their interaction is presented with a gentle humor and a touch of bittersweet optimism, suggesting that the simplest gestures can reshape lives in profound ways. The story unfolds with a measured, heart‑warming rhythm, leaving the audience eager to see how these two strangers might navigate the delicate balance between duty, memory, and the simple, often surprising, things that bind us together.

Last Updated: September 24, 2025 at 04:59

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Playful and Whimsical Movies Like The Simple Things

Charming tales of lighthearted chaos and unexpected connections in ordinary life.If you enjoyed the lighthearted, whimsical feel of The Simple Things, you'll love these movies that feature playful characters and charming, unexpected situations. Discover other films with similar breezy pacing and gentle humor that celebrate everyday life's quirky moments.

whimsicallightheartedplayfulbreezycharmingcheekymischievous

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often begin with a simple, well-intentioned deception or a playful misunderstanding that spirals into a series of charming, comedic events. The conflict is never truly threatening, and the resolution reinforces themes of compassion, connection, and lighthearted joy.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared commitment to a whimsical tone, low emotional intensity, and fast-paced, humorous storytelling. They prioritize feel-good moments and playful character dynamics over serious drama, creating a consistently uplifting and breezy viewing experience.

Fast-Paced and Heartwarming Movies Similar to The Simple Things

Rapid-fire stories of comedic chaos that always end on a heartwarming, happy note.Looking for more movies like The Simple Things with a fast pace and feel-good ending? This collection features stories where playful antics and lighthearted drama unfold quickly, leading to a charming and conclusively happy conclusion for the characters.

fast-pacedfeel-goodcomedicbreezyupliftingplayfullighthearted

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a straightforward premise that quickly escalates into a chain reaction of comedic or mildly chaotic events. There is little downtime, as the focus is on maintaining a brisk, engaging pace that builds to a clear and uplifting finale.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their energetic pacing, straightforward plots, and a primary goal of delivering lighthearted entertainment. They share a DNA of quick-witted humor, minimal complexity, and a guaranteed positive emotional payoff, making them perfect for an uplifting watch.

Unlock the Full Story of The Simple Things

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

The Simple Things Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Simple Things, 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 Simple Things Summary

The Simple Things Timeline

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

The Simple Things Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Simple Things

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Simple Things. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Simple Things

More About The Simple Things

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