The Rebound

The Rebound

Year: 2009

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Bart Freundlich

RomanceComedyRelationship comedyMoving relationship storiesCrude humor and satire

After her husband’s affair, Sandy abandons suburban life for the city, where she meets Aram, a man whose marriage is a sham for a green‑card. She hires him as her nanny, and their chemistry quickly turns romantic. Both wonder whether their connection is genuine or simply a rebound for each of them.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Rebound yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Rebound (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Rebound (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-2000s

The events unfold in the mid-2000s, a contemporary urban setting. The era's dating norms and career pressures shape Sandy's choices after divorce, while Aram searches for direction. The story uses modern city life to explore how adults rebuild their lives and form new romance.

Location

New York City

New York City is the backdrop for Sandy's reinvention. The apartment above a coffee shop and the surrounding hustle set the pace for daily life, dating, and motherhood. The city's fast pace mirrors the characters' evolving careers and relationships.

🗽 NYC setting 🏙️ Urban life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:22

Main Characters – The Rebound (2009)

Meet the key characters of The Rebound (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sandy (Catherine Zeta-Jones)

A housewife and mother who moves to New York City after discovering her husband's infidelity. She reinvents her life, navigating anger, new responsibilities, and the challenge of dating again. Her evolving relationships and career ambitions reveal a resilient, independent side she might have kept hidden.

👩‍👧 Mother 💼 Career woman 💘 Romantic lead

Aram Finklestein (Justin Bartha)

A recently separated man who takes a job as a nanny for Sandy's kids. He is initially aimless but compassionate, forming a strong connection with the children and with Sandy. His relationship with Sandy pushes him to reconsider his life choices and pursue something more meaningful.

🧭 Relationship-seeker 👨‍👧 Caregiver 💬 Introspective

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:22

Major Themes – The Rebound (2009)

Explore the central themes of The Rebound (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Romance

Romance drives the central relationship between Sandy and Aram, challenging expectations with a 15-year age difference. Their connection grows from a casual babysitting arrangement to a deeper bond amid awkward moments and shared experiences. The film uses humor and tender moments to examine how love can emerge in unexpected places.

👩‍💼 Motherhood & Career

Sandy balances motherhood with a demanding sports news job, illustrating the reality of modern working moms. Aram's arrival as a caregiver adds another dynamic to the household, highlighting how family roles evolve. The film explores ambition, responsibility, and how career and family can intersect.

🗺️ Self-Discovery

Both Sandy and Aram confront questions about what makes them happy and whether they can redefine their lives after past relationships. The pregnancy complication and break-up act as catalysts for personal growth. The conclusion suggests that their paths may diverge briefly, but a shared history keeps the door open for potential reconciliation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:22

Unlock the Full Story of The Rebound

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

The Rebound Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Rebound, 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 Rebound Summary

The Rebound Timeline

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

The Rebound Timeline

The Rebound Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Rebound that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Rebound Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Rebound

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

Explore More About Movie The Rebound

The Rebound (2009) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Rebound (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Rebound (2009) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow