While We're Young

Middle-aged filmmaker Josh has been wrestling with the post-production of his documentary about the leftist intellectual Ira Mandelstam for a decade. His refusal to let his producer wife Cornelia assist creates tension in their marriage as he feels insecure about his work.

After delivering a lecture at his college, Josh encounters an energetic millennial couple, Jamie and Darby Massey. Their admiration for Josh's work and free-spirited lifestyle intrigues him and Cornelia, pulling them into their bohemian world.

Jamie, inspired by conversations with Josh, decides to create a film about reconnecting with an old high school friend he discovered on Facebook. This new project ignites a sense of longing and creativity in Josh, altering their dynamic.

During an ayahuasca ceremony, a shared trippy experience leads to an unexpected kiss between Cornelia and Jamie. This event opens the door for Josh to finally approve of Cornelia's involvement in Jamie's film, despite initial reservations.

The project takes a darker turn when they locate Kent Arlington, only to discover his involvement in a tragic civilian massacre during his Army tour in Afghanistan. This shocking revelation complicates the narrative of Jamie's film, challenging its integrity.

As Josh tries to sell his intellectual documentary to a hedge fund investor, he seeks advice from his father-in-law, Leslie. Their heated exchange about parenthood issues exposes Josh’s insecurities and the growing rift between him and Cornelia.

At the screening of Jamie's film, which garners high praise from Leslie, Josh feels envy and tension between him and Cornelia. A confrontation about Jamie's successes leads to a temporary separation, exacerbating their marital issues.

Josh meets with Darby, who reveals Jamie’s increasingly selfish behavior and the kiss shared between Jamie and Cornelia. This information intensifies Josh's jealousy and leads him to question his place in both his marriage and the filmmaking world.

While editing his documentary, Josh discovers footage that indicates Jamie staged the meeting with Kent. This insight reveals the fractures in Jamie's storytelling and prompts Josh to confront Kent about the truth behind their relationship.

Josh confronts Jamie during a tribute for Leslie, accusing him of compromising honesty in his filmmaking. Jamie's dismissive attitude leaves Josh feeling defeated, especially when Leslie chooses to value the story over its authenticity.

In a candid moment outside of the tribute, Josh opens up to Leslie, acknowledging the need for revisions in his own documentary. This conversation signifies a turning point in Josh’s understanding of both his work and personal life.

After the tribute, Josh has a heartfelt reconciliation with Cornelia, suggesting renewed hope in their relationship. They begin to confront their challenges together instead of letting them drive a wedge between them.

Fast forward one year, Josh and Cornelia are on their way to the airport to adopt a newborn in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This new chapter symbolizes their growth and commitment to building a family together, moving past their previous struggles.

While at the airport, the couple stumbles upon an article praising Jamie as a filmmaking genius. Josh and Cornelia reflect on their feelings towards Jamie, acknowledging the complexity of youth and ambition in the industry.

As they wait at the gate, Josh and Cornelia watch a child playing with an iPhone, signaling the promise and challenges of the next generation. This moment highlights the evolving morals and ethics that will shape the future of storytelling.