What Happens Next

What Happens Next

Year: 2011

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: Jay Arnold

DramaRomanceComedy

After wealthy businessman Paul Greco (Jon Lindstrom) retires early, his domineering sister Elise (Wendy Malick) pressures him to settle down with a partner of her choosing. Instead, Paul becomes drawn to Andy (Chris Murrah), a charming gay man he meets at a dog park, and the two forge a close friendship that challenges Elise’s plans.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – What Happens Next (2011)

Trace every key event in What Happens Next (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Paul Greco's Retirement and Wealth

Paul Greco, a wealthy billionaire and socialite, sells his lucrative business, marking the start of his retirement. He finds himself with more free time and money than he knows what to do with, leading to a change in his daily routine.

2

Sister Elise Introduces a Dog

Paul's overbearing sister, Elise, decides to introduce a dog into Paul's life, believing it will give him a new purpose. She hopes that caring for the dog will help Paul adjust to his retirement and start engaging more actively.

3

Dog Walking in the Park

Paul begins his daily routine of walking the dog in the park. He starts to enjoy the peaceful moments outside, which gradually leads to more social encounters and new interactions.

Park
4

Meeting Andy Chance

In the park, Paul encounters Andy Chance, a gay self-employed advertising professional, who also walks his dog on the same schedule. Their casual meetings hint at a developing friendship that goes beyond initial pleasantries.

Park
5

Developing Relationship

Over time, the interactions between Paul and Andy evolve into something more complicated and intimate, creating comedic and emotional moments as they navigate their differences.

6

Concerns from Elise and Roz

Elise notices changes in Paul's behavior and becomes curious about his personal life, while Andy's adopted sister Roz, a high-powered art gallery owner, becomes uncomfortable with Andy's fascination with Paul, highlighting tension between their worlds.

7

Family Strains and Personal Conflicts

Strains grow within their families—Elise is preoccupied with her son Brian's artistic lifestyle and their estranged relationship, adding pressure to Paul's personal journey.

8

Revelation and Discovery

Through a series of twists and revelations, the characters come to understand more about themselves, their relationships, and their true feelings, leading to moments of clarity and reconciliation.

9

Themes of Love and Family

The story explores the redefining of family, the nature of love, and human connection. The narrative emphasizes acceptance, self-discovery, and the surprises life can bring.

10

Resolution and New Beginnings

In the end, the characters achieve a sense of resolution, understanding their relationships more deeply and embracing new possibilities, culminating in hopeful new beginnings.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:16

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Heartfelt Late-Life Self-Discovery Movies like What Happens Next

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Narrative Summary

The narrative unfolds as two characters meet and form a strong, supportive friendship. The core of the story is the subtle, often humorous, build-up of romantic attraction that challenges their initial dynamic. External pressures or personal doubts may create light tension, but the journey is ultimately affirming and leads to a happy resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific blend of light tone, steady pacing, and high romance score, where the emotional journey is more about the joy of connection than angst. They prioritize witty dialogue, charming character interactions, and an overall uplifting, comforting vibe.

Unlock the Full Story of What Happens Next

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

What Happens Next Summary

Read a complete plot summary of What Happens Next, 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.

What Happens Next Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in What Happens Next

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape What Happens Next. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in What Happens Next

What Happens Next Spoiler-Free Summary

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What Happens Next Spoiler-Free Summary

More About What Happens Next

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More About What Happens Next