What Happens Next (2011) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Elise gives Paul a dog after he retires from his business because she believes it will give him a new sense of purpose. Having observed Paul with extra free time and no structure in his life, she thinks caring for a dog will help him adjust to retirement and encourage him to be more active and engaged.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes show Paul wandering aimlessly around his large home, hinting at the emptiness his retirement has created.

• elise
• dog
• retirement
• purpose
• paul greco

Paul and Andy meet at a dog park where both men walk their dogs at the same time each day. Their encounters become regular occurrences as they share the same schedule, starting with casual pleasantries before developing into deeper conversations.

Foreshadowing: The timeline establishes their meeting occurs during Paul's new routine of walking the dog daily.

• meeting
• dog park
• andy chance
• first encounter

Paul becomes drawn to Andy because he represents something new and different from Paul's elite social world. Andy is self-employed, confident, and lives a simpler life compared to Paul's wealthy background. Their contrasting personalities create an intriguing dynamic that sparks Paul's curiosity about his own desires and identity.

Foreshadowing: Early interactions show Paul being surprised and amused by Andy's straightforward, unpretentious nature.

• attraction
• connection
• friendship
• self-discovery
• paul greco
• andy chance

Roz, Andy's adopted sister who runs an art gallery, becomes uncomfortable with Andy's growing fascination with Paul because Paul is openly straight and belongs to the social elite. Roz worries that Andy is pursuing someone unavailable and that the relationship could end painfully for her brother.

Foreshadowing: Roz notices subtle changes in Andy's behavior and senses his attraction growing.

• roz
• andy
• discomfort
• social class
• relationship concern

Elise becomes concerned because she notices subtle changes in Paul's personality and routine. She had plans for Paul to settle down with a partner she chose, and his new friendship with Andy and his altered behavior make her curious and uneasy about what direction his life is taking.

Foreshadowing: Elise is shown observing Paul more closely as the story progresses, picking up on his changed demeanor.

• elise
• concern
• behavior change
• sister
• paul greco

Brian is Elise's son who lives a bohemian artistic lifestyle that clashes with her traditional values. His estrangement from Elise adds pressure to the family dynamics and indirectly affects Paul's journey, as Elise becomes preoccupied with her own family conflict while Paul navigates his relationship with Andy.

Foreshadowing: Elise's discussions about Brian reveal her preoccupations and provide context for her intense focus on Paul's life.

• brian
• elise
• family conflict
• artistic lifestyle
• son

The movie ends with Paul and Andy achieving a sense of resolution and understanding. Through their journey of discovery, misadventure, and revelation, both characters come to better understand themselves and each other, ultimately embracing new possibilities and a deeper connection.

Foreshadowing: Earlier moments of and confusion tension gradually give way to clearer communication between the characters.

• ending
• resolution
• paul
• andy
• new beginnings
• reconciliation

The movie explores themes of redefining family, understanding the true meaning of love, and accepting oneself. It emphasizes that relationships are fluid and shaped by human experience, often challenging societal expectations about love and connection.

Foreshadowing: The narrative consistently presents characters who defy traditional expectations, building toward acceptance themes.

• themes
• love
• family
• acceptance
• self-discovery
• identity

Paul sells his lucrative business and retires early, finding himself with more free time and wealth than he knows what to do with. This major life change sets the stage for his personal journey and opens him up to new experiences like meeting Andy.

Foreshadowing: The opening establishes Paul's comfortable but potentially unfulfilling lifestyle before his retirement.

• retirement
• business
• wealth
• change
• lifestyle

Andy is a self-employed advertising professional who works for himself. This career choice reflects his independent nature and contrasts with Paul's background in high business and philanthropy.

Foreshadowing: Andy's professional life is referenced when describing him as charismatic and self-made.

• andy
• occupation
• advertising
• self-employed
• career