Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Year: 2000

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Rodrigo García

DramaRomance

Five women living in Los Angeles navigate the challenges of love, loss, and personal growth in this insightful drama. A doctor seeks unexpected advice, a bank manager questions her choices, a mother discovers a surprising connection nearby, a lesbian couple grapples with difficult realities, and a detective reevaluates her life while supporting her blind sister. The interwoven stories offer a nuanced look at relationships and the search for meaning.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her 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!

Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (2000) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (2000), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the sun-drenched expanse of the San Fernando Valley, Detective Kathy (Kathy Baker) and her partner probe the mysterious circumstances surrounding the suspected suicide of an unidentified woman. During the investigation, we meet Dr. Keener (Holly Hunter), a middle-aged physician torn between caring for her aging mother and confronting her own profound feelings of solitude. Her emotional journey reveals a struggle marked by an aversion to intimacy and an unquenchable yearning just beneath the surface. As she anxiously awaits phone calls from male colleagues, the film offers a raw look into her inner conflicts, reflecting both frustration and hope.

In her search for connection, Dr. Keener draws comfort from Christine (Calista Flockhart), a tarot card reader whose life is tightly woven with that of her partner Lilly, who faces a dire battle against a serious illness—that could potentially be cancer. This intricate web of relationships acts as a refuge for Dr. Keener, wherein she briefly evades the void that has settled deep within her soul.

Meanwhile, Rebecca (Cameron Diaz), a high-achieving bank manager who is “not big on regrets,” becomes embroiled in a tricky love triangle. After three years of an affair with a married man named Robert, Rebecca’s world is shaken by an unexpected pregnancy. In search of answers, she approaches Dr. Keener for advice on possibly terminating her pregnancy. Yet, before making a decisive choice, she experiences a short-lived romance with Walter, a subordinate whose simplicity and charm offer her a temporary escape from her troubled reality.

In a nearby community, Rose, a single mother and children’s book author, finds herself smitten with her new neighbor, a little person whose endearing mannerisms brighten her life. Little do they realize that their innocent interaction is about to lead them down a surprising path when they uncover his significant involvement in various risqué activities.

As Detective Kathy delves deeper into the suicide investigation, she cannot help but feel an attraction towards the medical examiner, which culminates in him asking her out. The film reaches an emotional climax when Dr. Keener has a chance encounter with Walter, weaving their stories together in a poignant reminder that life is knitted together through intricate connections.

Carmen’s haunting presence subtly ties together the film’s narrative. Her character emerges in five pivotal scenes, each marking a significant moment in the lives of the protagonists. Initially, we catch a glimpse of her meandering past Dr. Keener’s house—her footsteps echoing the quiet before turmoil strikes. Soon after, she walks alongside Rebecca, their shared journey underscoring the complex nature of human relationships. As the plot unfolds, Carmen reappears in a grocery store, her cart laden with mundane items, yet highlighting an underlying longing that is anything but ordinary.

As darkness settles, we find Carmen outside Christine’s apartment, her solitary silhouette a testament to the heavy burden of heartbreak. This moment captures the frail nature of human emotions, hinting at the delicate chaos of existence. Ultimately, Carmen’s final appearance within the sterile confines of the coroner’s lab serves as a stark depiction of the severe impacts love can bring when it becomes irreversibly shattered.

As the story progresses, the intertwining paths of the characters converge, illustrating the cyclical nature of human experiences. Carol, an observer in the narrative, recounts Carmen’s story, revealing that her return to her hometown was fueled by a desire to reconnect with an ex-lover. With each recollected moment, Carmen’s journey emerges as a carefully crafted preparation for this significant reunion.

From her initial search for belonging to carrying the fateful red dress—foretelling her tragic trajectory—the scenes depicting Carmen reflect the depth of her struggles. They encapsulate the duality of her existence, marked by mundane actions that obscure her internal strife. In her heartbreaking wanderings, she ultimately confronts the overwhelming weight of her grief, making the harrowing choice of suicide a desperate bid to escape the agony of a lost love that mirrored her past heartbreak.

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 21:11

Unlock the Full Story of Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Don't stop at just watching — explore Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her 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 Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her Timeline

Track the full timeline of Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

More About Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her: 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 Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Similar Movies to Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her

Discover movies like Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.