Young Adult

Young Adult

Year: 2011

Runtime: 94 min

Language: Korean

Director: Jason Reitman

DramaComedy

A successful young adult fiction writer, Mavis Gary, returns to her hometown hoping to relive past successes and reconnect with an old flame. There, she unexpectedly forms a bond with a former classmate who remains fixated on high school memories. This encounter prompts a humorous and poignant examination of regret, missed opportunities, and the search for connection in adulthood.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Young Adult (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Young Adult (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in the present day, the film explores modern issues such as divorce, alcoholism, and the struggle for identity. Mavis's journey reflects the complexities of adulthood and the challenges of reconciling past dreams with current realities. This contemporary setting allows for relatable themes of regret and self-discovery.

Location

Minneapolis, Mercury, Minnesota

The movie takes place in Minneapolis and the small town of Mercury, Minnesota, where Mavis returns to her roots. Mercury is depicted as a quaint hometown, evoking nostalgia for Mavis as she reconnects with old acquaintances and memories. The local sports bar serves as a central location for her attempts to relive her past and confront her present.

🏙️ City 🌳 Hometown 🎉 Sports Bar

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Main Characters – Young Adult (2011)

Meet the key characters of Young Adult (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mavis Gary

Mavis is a complex character struggling with personal demons including divorce and alcoholism. She exhibits a mix of nostalgia and desperation in her quest to reclaim her past and her perceived love for Buddy. Mavis's impulsive nature often leads her into chaotic situations, making her a relatable yet flawed protagonist.

🖊️ Writer 🍷 Alcoholism 😔 Nostalgia

Matt Freehauf

Matt is an old acquaintance of Mavis who suffers from the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Despite being wheelchair-bound, he displays resilience and offers wisdom as he warns Mavis against her reckless intentions. His character adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the capacity for kindness and understanding amidst personal struggles.

💪 Resilience 🛠️ Friend 🎸 Music

Buddy Slade

Buddy is Mavis's high school boyfriend, now married and navigating his own life as a father. His character serves as a focal point for Mavis's nostalgia and unfulfilled dreams. Ultimately, his interactions with Mavis reveal the complexities of relationships and the importance of moving on from the past.

👨‍👧 Father 🎶 Musician 🏠 Family

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Major Themes – Young Adult (2011)

Explore the central themes of Young Adult (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Heartbreak

The theme of heartbreak permeates the film, as Mavis grapples with her failed marriage and unresolved feelings for her high school sweetheart. Her journey is marked by moments of emotional turmoil, culminating in the revelation of her past pain, including a miscarriage. This theme highlights the complexities of love and loss, and the impact they have on one's identity.

🛤️ Self-Discovery

Mavis's journey is essentially one of self-discovery as she confronts her past and reevaluates her choices. Throughout the film, she learns that true fulfillment cannot be found in nostalgia or unhealthy relationships. By penning the final chapter of her book, she symbolizes her desire to embrace change and find a hopeful path forward.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Unlock the Full Story of Young Adult

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

Young Adult Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Young Adult, 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.

Young Adult Summary

Young Adult Timeline

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

Young Adult Timeline

More About Young Adult

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

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