Up in the Air 2009

As the credits unfold against a backdrop of sweeping aerial vistas, set to the soulful strains of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings’ rendition of Woody Guthrie’s classic anthem “This Land Is Your Land,” we’re transported to a world where the rhythms of fate are already in motion. The camera pans down to reveal a series of vignettes, each capturing the raw emotion of individuals who’ve just been dealt a crushing blow: the pink slip. Their reactions range from stunned disbelief and despair to outright indignation, all directed at Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a calm and collected figure seated behind a desk at CTC, Career Transition Counseling. In a voice that’s equal parts smooth and sincere, Ryan introduces himself as he surveys the landscape of recently terminated employees: “I work for another company that lends me out to… let’s just say, individuals who lack the fortitude to handle their own personnel decisions.” A rapid-fire montage then unfolds, showcasing the creative vengeance of those wronged by corporate callousness – think bleach-soaked coffee and sniper rifles – before we see Ryan extend a sympathetic ear to Steve, one of the many freshly minted job-seekers.

As he packs his suitcase with the precision of a seasoned traveler, Ryan’s world is revealed in all its efficiency and charm. We watch as he effortlessly navigates airport terminals, dodging vacationing families and business travelers alike en route to the frequent flyer desk, where he checks in with practiced ease. Security clearance is similarly a breeze, thanks to Ryan’s well-honed skills honed from years of traversing the skies. As his voice-overs lyrically describe the airport as his true home, we’re struck by the sense that this man has truly found his calling among the hustle and bustle of air travel. And when the inquisitive stewardess asks if he’d like a soft drink, Ryan’s confusion at her query – “Cancer?” he repeats, quizzical expression in place – is a fleeting moment of disconnection before he politely declines, his attention already drifting to the next chapter in his perpetual journey.

As Ryan takes the stage, his charisma electrifying the sparsely populated conference room, he delivers a thought-provoking address titled “Unpacking Your Backpack.” With an air of introspection, he prompts the audience to envision life without the weighty burdens of responsibility - knick-knacks, photos, furniture, homes, and relationships. His words hang in the air like a tantalizing promise: “Imagine waking up tomorrow with nothing. Isn’t it a thrilling prospect?” The crowd, however, remains underwhelmed by his message.

Meanwhile, Ryan makes his way to the airport’s exclusive frequent flyer lounge, where he is warmly greeted as a valued member of their elite club. With his membership card in hand, he takes a call from Kevin, his trusted assistant, who breaks the news that Ryan has been invited to speak at the prestigious GoalQuest XX conference in Las Vegas. The prospect sends Ryan’s spirits soaring; this is an opportunity he can’t afford to pass up.

As fate would have it, Craig Gregory (Jason Bateman), Ryan’s boss, interrupts his euphoria with a request for him to return to Omaha by the end of the week, bearing important news that will no doubt shake things up. Back in Dallas, Ryan finds himself engaged in a lively conversation with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), an attractive and astute businesswoman who is equally fascinated by the perks of their frequent traveler lifestyle. As they compare notes on their respective airline loyalty programs, she can’t help but be impressed by his American Airlines Concierge Key.

The rapport between Ryan and Alex is palpable as they discover a shared affinity for the finer things in life - namely, the exclusive privileges that come with racking up thousands of miles each year. “Not bad,” Ryan says with a smile, referring to her impressive annual mileage total of 60,000 miles. The banter turns playful as she challenges him to reveal his own mileage number, and he coyly refuses to give in.

As the night wears on, their conversation evolves into a flirtatious game of verbal cat-and-mouse. They swap stories about the most unconventional places they’ve shared intimate moments, with Alex boasting that she’s had her fair share of adventures - including a memorable encounter in an airline lavatory on a regional flight. Their mutual attraction culminates in a nightcap, followed by a leisurely morning spent comparing calendars to see if their paths will cross again sometime soon.

As the evening draws to a close, Alex decides it’s time for her to return to her room, and Ryan nods in agreement, acknowledging that this would indeed be the “ladylike thing to do.” And so, with the promise of a potential future encounter hanging in the balance, their whirlwind romance comes to an end - at least for now.

As the morning sun casts its golden glow over the sterile hotel surroundings, Ryan (no actor name provided) begins his daily routine with a methodical precision. A solitary figure gliding through the motions, he indulges in a leisurely swim in the hotel pool, followed by a meticulous shoe shine and a quiet moment of contemplation at the airport. The serenity is suddenly disrupted by a phone call from his sister Kara (Amy Morton), whose words are laced with excitement as she discusses the impending wedding of their sister Julie (Melanie Lynskey). Kara’s enthusiasm is palpable as she shares her plans to dispatch a cardboard cutout of Julie and her fiancé to Ryan, requesting that he capture a photograph of them in front of the iconic Luxor pyramid in Las Vegas. Despite his initial reluctance, Ryan agrees to fulfill his sister’s request.

As he returns to his humble abode, Omaha, we are given a glimpse into Ryan’s starkly utilitarian existence. His small studio apartment is a reflection of his personality: devoid of any distinguishing features or decorative flourishes, it is a space that feels more like a temporary refuge than a home. The arrival of a package signed for by Ryan serves as a harbinger of events to come, and he invites his neighbor over to share the news. However, she declines with an awkwardness that borders on shyness, revealing that she has recently found love.

The stark contrast between the sterile hotel environment and Ryan’s drab apartment is mirrored in the stark differences between Craig’s ebullient nature and the cold, calculating tone of his words. At a staff meeting, Craig (no actor name provided) revels in the economic downturn, proclaiming it a golden opportunity for their firm to thrive. He introduces Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), a brilliant young up-and-comer who has graduated at the top of her class from Cornell University. Natalie’s enthusiasm is infectious as she presents an online monitoring system designed to streamline the process of terminating employees from remote locations, eliminating the need for human resource specialists like Ryan to travel.

Ryan’s face contorts in dismay as he grapples with the impersonal nature of this new system and the loss of his cherished travel privileges. His unease is palpable as he confronts Craig about the implications of this new process. Natalie joins them, her bright smile and confident demeanor a stark contrast to Ryan’s growing unease. As the meeting concludes, Ryan visits Craig’s office to protest further, only to be met with a stern rebuke for not being a team player and for clinging to outdated methods. The coup de grâce comes when Craig announces that Natalie will accompany Ryan on his travels for the next few days, much to Ryan’s dismay.

As Ryan prepares for another arduous journey, the stark emptiness of his apartment - a utilitarian space devoid of personal touches or sentimental value - serves as a poignant reminder of his nomadic existence. His meager wardrobe, consisting solely of business attire, hangs limp and lifeless on the few sparse shelves that line the walls. The cumbersome cardboard cut-out, which refuses to fit neatly into his luggage, becomes a source of frustration, foreshadowing the trials that lie ahead.

At the airport, Ryan’s efficiency in check-in is matched only by his growing annoyance at Natalie’s tardiness and impractical baggage. He dispatches her with a utilitarian suitcase, expounding on the virtues of carry-on travel, having racked up an astonishing 370 days of flying annually. His ruthless editing of her packing list, culminating in the unceremonious disposal of various items deemed unnecessary, is a testament to his honed instincts for streamlining travel.

In the security line, Ryan shares his hard-won expertise with Natalie, dispensing nuggets of wisdom like a seasoned veteran. His advice: navigate the queue by sidestepping families and seniors, and seek out Asian travelers - an oft-overlooked demographic whose predilection for slip-on shoes and minimalist luggage enables them to breeze through security with ease. Natalie’s incredulous response - “That’s racist!” - is swiftly countered by Ryan’s unapologetic retort: “I stereotype - it’s faster.”

As they depart the airport, the trio receives a call from Alex, who finds herself stranded in Atlanta and proposes meeting up at the Louisville hub (SDF) to coordinate their schedules. The duo embarks on another round of office visits, armed with the daunting task of dispensing pink slips. Natalie is instructed to maintain a stoic silence, merely handing out benefits packages as they go, but her innate curiosity gets the better of her when confronted by Bob (J.K. Simmons), a hapless soul grappling with the existential implications of unemployment.

Ryan, however, proves a quick study, having taken the time to peruse Bob’s resume and identify a hidden passion for culinary pursuits. With a deft touch, he coaxes Bob into recognizing this period of transition as an opportunity to pursue his dreams - a chance to trade in his apron for a chef’s hat. As Bob departs, resigned but no longer incensed, Ryan’s unorthodox methods have once again yielded a modicum of success, and Natalie is left to wonder at the enigmatic, fast-talking traveler who has insinuated himself into her life.

Ryan bursts into the Hilton Honors desk at the front of a long line, sparking ire from an indignant customer who’s been waiting patiently. However, the courteous clerk swiftly defuses the situation by revealing that Ryan is indeed a valued member, deserving of priority treatment. With a hint of mischief, Ryan obligingly hands over a brochure to the disgruntled patron, only to have it snatched away in frustration. Later, at dinner with Natalie, Ryan reveals his obsession with accumulating frequent flyer miles - an endeavor he’s determined to see through to the coveted milestone of ten million miles. This lofty goal, he explains, would grant him lifetime executive status, a personal meeting with the esteemed chief pilot Maynard Finch, and even the distinction of having his name emblazoned on the side of a plane. Natalie remains unimpressed, dismissing Ryan’s pursuit as a trivial hobby.

That night, Ryan becomes ensconced in a steamy exchange of text messages with Alex, which culminates in flirtatious banter. He responds with equal enthusiasm, before extinguishing the lights and drifting off to sleep. The next morning, Natalie assists Ryan by posing for a photo in front of the historic St. Louis airport, though her confusion regarding its significance is promptly dispelled as Ryan regales her with tales of the Wright Brothers’ pioneering flight. He then probes Natalie’s curiosity about Charles Lindbergh’s famous Spirit of St. Louis plane, only to be met with indifference.

In a subsequent office setting, Ryan faces another termination, this time of an employee who responds to their dismissal with anger and hostility. Following the encounter, Ryan advises Natalie that sometimes people simply need to vent, which leaves her taken aback but eager to try firing the next individual. However, as she prepares to deliver the news, the would-be target reveals a shocking intention - to leap off a picturesque bridge near their home - which sends Natalie racing out of the building in distress. Ryan reassures her that such outbursts are common during firings and rarely reflect the person’s genuine intentions.

As Kansas City’s once-thriving office lay in ruins, a mere skeleton crew remained, with only a handful of employees scattered about like broken reeds in an autumn gust. The receptionist, her expression a masterclass in resignation, barely flinched as Ryan and Alex entered the fray. It was clear that hope had long since fled this particular scene.

Meanwhile, at the nearby hotel, Ryan’s eavesdropping skills proved invaluable as he overheard Natalie’s candid conversation with her boyfriend. Her words hung in the air like a challenge: “I don’t even think of him that way - he’s OLD.” The subtle emphasis on her tone was not lost on Ryan, who felt his perception of their relationship shift ever so slightly.

As if sensing his unease, Alex materialized by his side, and together they pushed into the hotel room, leaving the tension outside for the time being. But as they entered, it became clear that Natalie’s emotional well-being was on shaky ground, her Des Moines office a constant reminder of the relentless grind she faced.

In this desolate landscape, even the smallest glimmer of hope seemed a distant memory, replaced instead by the crushing weight of monotony and the nagging feeling that things would never be the same again.

In the midst of a soul-stirring monologue in Miami, Ryan (Ryan) reiterates his philosophy on human connections, cautioning against slowing down and getting stuck in emotional quicksand. He posits that life is a perpetual motion, urging us to keep moving forward, lest we stagnate and wither away like sluggish sharks. His words seem to resonate deeply with Natalie, who challenges him about his reluctance to marry. Undeterred, Ryan invites her to persuade him of the merits of matrimony, but she’s unable to crack his resolute demeanor.

As their debate concludes in the hotel lobby, Natalie’s emotional walls suddenly crumble as she reveals that her boyfriend, Bryan, has abandoned her via text message. Overwhelmed by grief, she collapses into Ryan’s arms, only to be comforted by Alex’s arrival on the scene. The two men commiserate with Natalie over drinks, with Alex offering a scathing assessment of Bryan’s actions: “What a total prick!” Ryan chimes in, suggesting that being fired via internet is almost as egregious an offense.

As Natalie pours out her heart to the pair, it becomes clear that she had sacrificed a promising job opportunity in San Francisco for Bryan, relocating to Omaha and investing all her emotional capital in their relationship. Despite her professional successes, she’s come to realize that without finding the right partner, none of those accomplishments truly matter. With a deadline-driven mentality firmly entrenched, Natalie confesses that she had hoped to salvage her relationship with Bryan, convinced that he met most of her requirements for happiness.

Ryan and Alex listen intently as Natalie laments the fragility of relationships and the harsh realities of adulthood. They offer words of wisdom, cautioning her against settling for less than what she desires. “You’re young,” Alex reminds her, “so settling feels like failure by definition.” Natalie’s conviction is unwavering: it is, indeed, a form of failure to compromise on one’s values and aspirations. As the trio navigates the complexities of love, heartache, and self-discovery, they begin to uncover the intricacies of their own desires and the elusive nature of true fulfillment.

As the trio retires to their quarters, Natalie’s curiosity gets the better of her, prompting her to inquire about the evening’s plans. Alex and Ryan exchange sheepish glances, revealing they hadn’t intended to include her in their itinerary. The revelation sparks a hasty explanation from Ryan, who announces that they’re heading out to the tech conference party being held within the hotel walls. Natalie expresses surprise at not knowing they were registered, and Alex and Ryan’s hesitation is palpable until she catches on, declaring with gusto, “I’m in!” Without another word, they stroll up to the registration desk, procure unclaimed badges, and seamlessly blend into the crowd.

Natalie, however, inadvertently snags a name tag bearing the name Jennifer Chu, but Ryan reassures her that no one will give it a second glance. As she quickly downs a few drinks and begins mingling, Natalie encounters Dave (a name that holds significance for her, given its appearance on her list of desired boyfriend traits). Meanwhile, Alex and Ryan take to the dance floor.

The evening’s festivities are capped off by a rousing performance from the MC, who gets the crowd pumped up. Later, as the party winds down, Ryan nonchalantly hands Alex his hotel room key, uttering the enigmatic phrase “the key to my place.” Alex raises an eyebrow, commenting wryly that she hadn’t realized their relationship had reached such a milestone.

As the night wears on, Natalie finds herself on an evening boat ride with fellow conference attendees. She takes to the karaoke stage, belting out tunes while Ryan and Alex sit at the back of the vessel, lost in conversation. It’s here that Alex confides in Ryan about her desire to break free from her usual inhibitions, asking him about his motivational philosophy: “Is the bag empty because you hate people or you hate the baggage they come with?” Ryan offers a thoughtful response, revealing his recent introspection on the topic.

As their conversation flows, they share a tender moment, culminating in a kiss. The boat’s engines sputter and die, stranding them adrift. A speedboat arrives to rescue them, ferrying them safely back to shore. The pair scrambles onto the beach, laughing and drenched from their impromptu aquatic adventure.

The morning after finds Ryan awoken by Alex, who has chosen to spend the night. As she finishes getting dressed, she mentions her intention to snag a standby flight to Cincinnati if possible. Ryan’s expression falters momentarily before he regains his composure, prompting Alex to tease him good-naturedly about feeling “cheap.” The pair laughs off the momentary awkwardness, and as Alex departs, Ryan reveals his true feelings: “Hey – I really like you.”

As they sat at their poolside table, the warm Miami morning sun casting a golden glow over their conversation, Natalie attempted to make amends for the events of the previous night. Ryan listened intently, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity, as she probed him about her actions. He revealed that it was good to see her letting loose, and Natalie’s gaze faltered momentarily before she regained her composure.

As they posed for another photo opportunity against the vibrant Miami skyline, Natalie turned her attention to Ryan, her questions this time centered around his connection with Alex. Ryan’s nonchalant tone didn’t deter her; instead, it piqued her interest. He described their relationship as casual, and Natalie pressed him about the potential for a future together. Ryan’s response was underwhelming, leaving Natalie growing increasingly agitated.

With a hint of exasperation, he attempted to clarify his sentiments, referencing a moment when one can feel another person’s gaze piercing their very soul. Natalie nodded knowingly, but Ryan’s declaration that such moments were foreign to him only seemed to escalate her ire. Seizing the opportunity to express her discontent, she tossed the cutout of Alex against the dock, decrying Ryan as an insensitive individual and lamenting the potential for a meaningful connection with Alex being squandered.

As she stormed off, the cutout blew into the water, followed by Ryan’s own tumble into the pool. As he emerged from the water, his expression was sheepish at best. Later, in the quiet of his room, he carefully blow-dried the damaged picture, which would soon be tucked away safely in his suitcase en route to Detroit, its once-pristine surface now bearing the faint scars of their tumultuous encounter.

As they stepped into the Detroit office, Ryan issued a stern warning to Natalie: this was a town that would test their resolve, where even the slightest misstep could spark a maelstrom of resistance. The unassuming room belied its troubled nature, but Ryan’s keen eye had already detected signs of tension in the air. His surprise at finding a computer monitor on the table was tempered by Craig’s disembodied presence on the screen, calmly orchestrating the trial run of their internet-based firing procedure. Natalie took her first victim, an employee whose initial belligerence gave way to pitiful sobbing as she coaxed him through the termination process. Though Craig monitored every exchange with an air of thoughtful consideration, Ryan tried to reassure Natalie that she was doing just fine - a reassurance that seemed more convincing in its desperation.

As they left the office, Natalie leaned against the car, her expression a testament to the toll their grim task had taken. Ryan attempted to salvage what remained of their spirits by pleading with Craig to reconsider their assignment, only to receive the inevitable response: “We’re going home.” Back at the airport, Ryan’s gaze drifted out the plate glass window, fixating on an airplane with a blank canvas of white, its fate hanging precariously in the balance. The realization that his sister’s wedding invitation loomed just around the corner - and that he had yet to RSVP - served as a stark reminder of his own neglect. As they navigated the airport concourse, Natalie apologized for her earlier slight against Alex, only to have Ryan accept it with an ungracious tone. Suddenly, he turned, informing Natalie that their journey was far from over: “I’ll meet you in Omaha,” he said, before disappearing onto another flight.

Upon his arrival in Las Vegas, Ryan reunited with Alex and obtained the coveted photo of the cutout standing tall before the Luxor pyramid’s imposing façade. His invitation to join him at his sister’s wedding in Wisconsin caught Alex off guard, but ultimately won her over - a development that led them to touch down in Milwaukee, their next destination beckoning like an unwritten chapter in this odyssey of disillusionment and rebirth.

In the quaint, pseudo-Tyrolean setting of the Chalet motel in Northern Wisconsin, Ryan and Alex wait patiently in line for check-in, unaware of the subtle social hierarchies that await them. As they approach the desk, Ryan asks the clerk if she’s available to assist him, only to be met with a condescending smile and a reminder that this particular line is reserved exclusively for members of their esteemed Matterhorn program. Undeterred, he enters his room with Alex, where they’re soon joined by his sister Kara, who emerges from her own quarters with an air of quiet desperation. As Ryan introduces Alex to Kara, the latter’s gaze lingers on her sibling’s companion, a look that suggests she’s been kept in the dark about this newcomer.

As they make their way to the rehearsal dinner, Julie greets them warmly, beaming with pride as she showcases a delicate diamond chip ring designed by her fiancé Jim. The couple’s awkward charm is tempered by the financial realities of their impending nuptials, which have relegated their honeymoon plans to a distant memory. Ryan offers Julie the photos he’s taken during his stay, and she requests that he pin them to a sprawling map adorned with dozens of similar images. As he struggles to find space for his own shots, it becomes clear that these pictures are not just mementos but a testament to the couple’s commitment to each other.

Later that evening, Ryan extends an invitation for Julie to be escorted down the aisle by him, given their father’s absence from the proceedings. However, she gently declines, opting instead to entrust the honor to Jim’s uncle, leaving Ryan feeling somewhat bruised but determined to put on a brave face. As he asks when he should arrive at the church, Julie’s response – “5:00 would be good” – reinforces her perception of him as an honored guest rather than a participant.

The following day, Alex and Ryan seize the opportunity to explore the local school, where they stumble upon his storied state basketball championship trophy. As they linger in the make-out stairs behind the gym, their lips meet in a tender moment that’s interrupted only by Kara’s urgent call on Ryan’s cell phone, summoning him to the church for a pressing matter.

As Alex departs from the church, Ryan returns to their hotel suite to collect his suit, only to find Julie in a state of distress due to Jim’s sudden cold feet. Kara urges him to intervene, but Ryan hesitates, pointing out that his profession is built on advising people to avoid commitment, leaving Kara to exclaim, “What kind of warped message is that?” Ryan eventually relents and agrees to speak with Jim, tracking him down in a Sunday school classroom where he’s reading The Velveteen Rabbit. Jim confesses that he’s been contemplating the existential implications of marriage: the monotony of daily routine, the inevitability of decline and mortality. Ryan counters by highlighting the beauty of shared experiences, suggesting that life is more fulfilling with others. This realization prompts Jim to apologize to Julie, asking her to join him as his “co-pilot” in life. Overcome with emotion, she agrees, and the wedding proceeds with Alex and Ryan holding hands during the vows.

Later, at the reception, the pair dance intimately, their bodies swaying in sync. The scene shifts to the airport, where Alex queries when she’ll see Ryan again. With a wry smile, he informs her that she’ll need to visit him, as his recent circumstances have essentially grounded him. As she disappears into the crowd, he calls out, “I’m lonely,” prompting a laugh from her before she walks away.

Back at his Omaha apartment, Ryan surveys his surroundings with a sense of discontent. He approaches the refrigerator and opens the door, revealing an astonishing collection of miniature airline liquor bottles adorning its surface. The accumulation serves as a poignant reminder of his recent travels, leaving him to ponder the fleeting nature of human connections.

As Natalie enthusiastically gives him a tour of the bustling call center in operation, Ryan can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the peculiar moniker “termination engineers”. The originator of this label, it seems, was thwarted by Legal from utilizing the more iconic term “Terminators” - a decision that leaves Ryan perplexed. With his curiosity piqued, he takes a seat behind a workstation and hesitantly dons a headset, his expression clearly conveying his disdain for the novel contraption.

Meanwhile, back at headquarters, Ryan is preparing for his highly anticipated speech at GoalQuest XX. As he’s introduced to the sea of expectant faces, he strides confidently to the podium, his trusty backpack by his side. However, just as he begins to deliver the familiar pitch, he suddenly stops mid-sentence, gazing out at the audience with a mix of introspection and disillusionment. With a subtle shake of the head, he excuses himself from the microphone and beats a hasty retreat, leaving the event organizers perplexed and perturbed.

Without hesitation, Ryan makes his way to the airport, booking a flight to Chicago with all due haste. Upon arrival in the evening, he finds himself in a hurry, abandoning his usual routine as he drives away without surrendering his rewards card. The destination of this impromptu detour becomes apparent when he pulls up outside Alex’s townhouse and rings the doorbell. As she opens the door, Ryan flashes her a warm smile, attempting to appear nonchalant despite the chaos that is about to ensue.

However, before he can even utter a word, the sounds of children quarreling and running down the hallway behind Alex pierce the air. Ryan’s countenance falls as he begins backing away from the door, his eyes locked on Alex’s stricken visage. In a flash, her expression shifts from surprise to composure, as she responds to the male voice inquiring about the door’s occupant - “Just someone asking directions” - before gently closing the door and leaving Ryan standing alone on the porch, pondering his next move.

As the darkness of the hotel room slowly recedes, Ryan sits pensively on a bed, lost in thought as he gazes out into the evening’s hazy veil. The tranquility is shattered by the ringing of his phone the next morning on a train bound for the airport, where Alex’s (unapologetic) voice pierces the air like a cold wind. Her words cut deep, revealing the depths of their complicated past: “You could have seriously messed up my real life.” Ryan protests, claiming he didn’t know she was married, but Alex remains unyielding, her tone icy as frost. The conversation ends abruptly, with Alex hanging up on him as gently as a feather falling from the sky.

As the plane takes to the air, Ryan’s mind still reeling from the confrontation, he gazes out the window at the patchwork landscape below, lost in thought. Suddenly, the flight attendant’s cheerful voice crackles over the intercom, announcing their arrival in Dubuque and a milestone achievement: 10 million miles flown. Champagne is poured for first-class passengers, and Chief Pilot Maynard Finch (Sam Elliott) appears beside Ryan, a warm smile creasing his face as he presents Ryan with a special silver card engraved with his name, commemorating this remarkable feat. Ryan’s eyes widen in surprise, his mind racing to find the right words of gratitude, but they remain elusive. The Captain’s gentle prodding elicits a softly spoken confession: “I’m from here.”

As Craig settles into his office, he poses a poignant query to Ryan: does he recall Karen Barnes, a former employee terminated by Natalie? Ryan’s response is characteristically blunt - they’ve let go of countless individuals, making it impossible for him to remember every single one. Yet, Craig’s persistence stems from a darker motive; Karen took her own life after quitting, and any indication she may have given of her intentions could prove disastrous from a legal standpoint. Ryan professes ignorance, but his concern is palpable as he asks about Natalie’s well-being. Craig’s tone turns bitter as he reveals that Natalie departed the company with a text message - “Fucking nice, right? Nobody has any manners anymore” - before informing Ryan they’re returning to the workforce.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Natalie is reapplying for the job she was offered upon graduating from Cornell. Her interviewer probes her motivations for leaving Omaha, and Natalie hesitates before confessing that she followed a boy. The conversation takes a surprising turn when the interviewer produces a letter of recommendation from Ryan, painting a glowing picture of his former colleague. The offer is extended, and Natalie accepts.

A poignant montage follows, showcasing various employees who had been fired throughout the film now engaged in counseling sessions or interviews. Each shares their story, highlighting that while losing one’s job was undoubtedly challenging, it was tempered by the support of loved ones. As each individual finds solace in their experiences, Ryan embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

At an airport, suitcase in hand, Ryan stands before a Departures and Arrivals board, lost in thought as he contemplates his next move. His voice-over whispers secrets: “Tonight, most people will be welcomed home by the sounds of jumping dogs and squealing kids. Their spouses will ask about their day, and tonight they’ll sleep. The stars will emerge from their daytime hiding places, with one light - slightly brighter than the rest - serving as my wingtip passing over.” As the credits roll, the camera pans out to reveal a breathtaking view of blue clouds at dusk, with a faint sunset hovering in the distance.