What Happens Next (2011) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story unfolds primarily in a city park where the main characters meet, set against upscale social environments including high-society events and art galleries. This contrast between the casual, neutral park space and the formal social circles creates the backdrop for the characters' evolving relationship.

• city park
• setting
• locations
• art gallery
• socialite circles

The film is set in the contemporary era, portraying present-day social dynamics and lifestyle topics. It reflects modern attitudes toward sexuality, family, and societal expectations, emphasizing values relevant to today's society.

• contemporary
• present day
• time period
• modern era

The movie explores two primary themes: Love & Identity, focusing on the fluidity of love and authentic self-expression; and Family & Relationships, examining the complexity of familial ties including both biological and chosen families. These themes interweave to tell a story about personal discovery and reconciliation.

• themes
• love
• identity
• family
• relationships

The film explores how love transcends traditional norms and emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. It delves into various forms of relationships and highlights personal discovery, showing characters who challenge societal expectations while redefining their own identities.

• love
• identity
• self-expression
• authenticity
• acceptance

The story examines both traditional and chosen family structures, emphasizing communication and acceptance. It shows the tension between biological ties and personal desires, portraying the nuanced ways love can exist within and outside conventional family connections.

• family
• relationships
• chosen family
• acceptance
• generational differences

Paul Greco is a wealthy, retired businessman who finds himself at a crossroads after leaving his professional life. His character represents someone grappling with shifts in personal identity and relationships, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that challenges traditional expectations placed upon him.

• Paul Greco
• wealthy businessman
• self-discovery
• identity

Andy is an independent, self-employed advertising professional who is comfortable with his sexuality and personality. His character embodies authenticity and the courage to pursue happiness on his own terms, challenging societal norms through his genuine and open nature.

• Andy Chance
• advertising
• authenticity
• independence
• gay character

Elise is Paul's overbearing sister who is concerned about her brother's changing behaviors. Her protective instinct stems from her own life experiences and her relationship with her son. She represents the tension between familial concern and societal expectations, embodying the pressure to conform to traditional norms.

• Elise
• sister
• family pressure
• protective
• societal expectations

Roz is Andy's adopted sister and a successful art gallery owner. Her character reflects the tensions between personal desires and social perceptions, as she becomes uneasy about Andy's growing interest in Paul, embodying both ambition and the complexities of familial loyalty.

• Roz
• art gallery
• adopted sister
• family tension

Brian is Elise's son and an artist involved in alternative lifestyles. His character serves as a contrast to his mother's more conservative views, exploring themes of artistic freedom and generational differences within the family dynamic.

• Brian
• artist
• son
• alternative lifestyle
• generational differences

The movie portrays an upscale social environment with high-society events and art galleries, contrasting this formal world with the more casual, egalitarian setting of a city park. This social landscape shapes the characters' conflicts and choices, highlighting the tension between public image and private desires.

• social environment
• high society
• class
• social circles
• art world