Vacation

Vacation

Year: 2015

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Directors: John Francis Daley, Jonathan M. Goldstein

AdventureComedy

Seeking to recreate the cherished childhood vacations of his youth, Rusty Griswold takes his own family on a cross-country road trip to the beloved Walley World theme park. What begins as a sentimental journey quickly devolves into a series of increasingly chaotic and hilarious mishaps. Along the way, the Griswolds encounter quirky characters and face unexpected challenges, ultimately redefining their understanding of family and the true meaning of a vacation.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Vacation (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Vacation (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in the modern day, capturing contemporary family dynamics and travel experiences. The characters navigate modern technology, social media influences, and culturally relevant events as they embark on their road trip.

Location

South Bend, Indiana, Chicago, Missouri, Tennessee, Los Angeles, San Francisco

The movie takes the audience through various locations, beginning with South Bend, Indiana, where Rusty works as a pilot. The journey then leads to popular destinations like Chicago and historic sites in Tennessee, ending in the vibrant city of San Francisco, where the Griswolds reconnect with family.

🏙️ City 🌄 Landscape

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:02

Main Characters – Vacation (2015)

Meet the key characters of Vacation (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms)

Rusty is a determined father and pilot trying to create an unforgettable family vacation. His enthusiasm often leads to comedic mishaps that challenge his patience and parenting skills, but his love for his family drives his desire to reconnect with them.

👨‍✈️ Father 💔 Frustrated 😂 Comedic

Debbie Griswold (Christina Applegate)

Debbie is Rusty's supportive but increasingly frustrated wife. As the road trip progresses, her insecurities and feelings of inadequacy become more evident, highlighting the strain on their marriage while also showcasing her resilience and underlying affection for her family.

💍 Wife 😓 Discontent 💪 Strong

James Griswold (Skyler Gisondo)

James is the older son who struggles with self-esteem and sibling rivalry. His interactions with both his younger brother Kevin and his crush Adena reveal his journey toward asserting himself and finding confidence in tough situations.

🎸 Teenager ❤️ Flirtatious 🥺 Vulnerable

Kevin Griswold (Steele Stebbins)

Kevin is the mischievous younger brother who often bullies James. His antics provide comedic relief but also illustrate the typical sibling rivalry, adding layers to the family's dynamics as they deal with their own personal issues.

😏 Mischievous 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Sibling Rival 🏃‍♂️ Playful

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:02

Major Themes – Vacation (2015)

Explore the central themes of Vacation (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎢 Family Bonding

The core theme revolves around family bonding, showcasing the Griswolds' attempts to strengthen their relationships through a shared vacation experience. The film highlights the challenges and absurdities families face while trying to connect, ultimately leading to personal growth and unity.

🚗 Adventure

The theme of adventure is prevalent as the Griswolds embark on a chaotic and humorous road trip to Walley World. Each stop is filled with unexpected challenges, misfortunes, and amusing encounters that push the family's limits, reinforcing the idea that the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.

Last Updated: December 24, 2024 at 10:02

Unlock the Full Story of Vacation

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

Vacation Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Vacation, 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.

Vacation Summary

Vacation Timeline

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

Vacation Timeline

More About Vacation

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