Evening 2007
Directed by
Lajos Koltai
Made by
Focus Features
Plot Summary
As Ann lays in her bed, nearing the final days of her life, she starts to experience vivid hallucinations and reflects on a pivotal weekend that forever altered her path. This was the weekend when she was honored to be the maid of honor for her best friend, Lila Wittenborn, and crossed paths with Harris Arden—the man she truly loved.
Back in her college days, Ann shared close ties with both Lila Wittenborn and her baby brother Buddy, who secretly harbored feelings for her. As a spirited nightclub singer from New York, Ann struggled to fit into the wealthy Newport social scene, a feeling mirrored by both Buddy and Harris. While Buddy was a passionate young idealist drowning his frustrations in champagne, Harris grappled with the societal expectations that constantly reminded him of his supposed position among the elite, despite his success as a doctor.
During a night out together, while Ann and Harris stepped away from the festivities to bond, an accident tragically claimed Buddy’s life as he chased after them. Consumed by guilt for the death of her friend’s brother, and aware that Lila Wittenborn still had feelings for Harris, Ann and Harris made the heart-wrenching decision to part ways, despite their enduring love for one another.
Interwoven with these poignant memories is a parallel plot showcasing Ann’s two daughters, each grappling with their mother’s impending departure while also navigating their own interpersonal conflicts. Connie, who grew up under the shadow of her mother’s two failed marriages and tumultuous singing career, morphed into a typical suburban soccer mom. In stark contrast, her younger sister Nina chose a path of uncertainty as a drifter, avoiding commitment and struggling to maintain a stable job. Now, faced with the reality of her own pregnancy, Nina is left to confront her uncertain future.
Timeline
Ann's Final Days
As Ann lies in her bed, she feels the weight of her nearing end. This reflection leads her to recall a weekend that significantly altered her life path.
The Maid of Honor
Ann is honored to serve as the maid of honor for her best friend, Lila Wittenborn. This event is pivotal as it sets the stage for the encounters that follow, intertwining their lives forever.
Meeting Harris Arden
During the wedding festivities, Ann meets Harris Arden, the man who holds her heart. Their connection is immediate, reflecting a deep emotional bond that sparks nostalgia for both of them.
Buddy's Secret Feelings
Buddy, Lila's younger brother, harbors secret feelings for Ann. Despite his affection, he battles with his identity and frustration, trying to navigate his place in the world.
Ann's Struggles in Newport
As a nightclub singer from New York, Ann finds it challenging to fit into the opulent Newport social scene. This disconnect resonates with Buddy and Harris, both of whom face their own societal pressures.
Tragic Night Out
While out enjoying the night, Ann and Harris step away from the festivities for a private moment. Unbeknownst to them, Buddy chases after them, leading to a tragic accident.
Buddy's Death
During his pursuit of Ann and Harris, Buddy dies in a tragic accident. The guilt that envelops Ann casts a long shadow over her, adding to the emotional turmoil of the group.
Heart-Wrenching Decision
Consumed by guilt for causing Buddy's death and considering Lila's unresolved feelings for Harris, Ann and Harris decide to part ways. Despite their profound love, they recognize the pain of their situation.
Introduction of Ann's Daughters
As Ann reflects on her past, the story shifts to her two daughters who are coping with their mother's imminent death. Each daughter navigates her own life challenges, highlighting familial tensions.
Connie's Struggles
Connie, Ann's elder daughter, feels overshadowed by her mother's past and failed marriages. She has settled into a life of conformity as a suburban soccer mom, grappling with her own unresolved issues.
Nina's Uncertainty
Conversely, Nina, the younger sister, chooses a path filled with instability. As a drifter avoiding commitment, she faces her demons and struggles to maintain a stable job.
Nina's Pregnancy
Nina finds herself confronting an unexpected pregnancy, which forces her to reflect on her life choices. This revelation acts as a catalyst for her to reevaluate her uncertain future.
Characters
Ann (Vanessa Redgrave)
Ann is a complex character reflecting on her past as she approaches the end of her life. A former nightclub singer, she embodies a spirit of resilience while being plagued by guilt over personal losses. Her journey reveals the deep emotional scars of love and regret, as she contemplates her choices that shaped not only her life but also the lives of those around her.
Harris Arden
Harris is depicted as a conflicted man, caught between societal expectations and his deep feelings for Ann. Despite his career success as a doctor, he struggles with the pressures of his elite status. His undeniable connection with Ann and the impact of tragedy lead him to confront his own emotions and societal roles, resulting in a heartfelt, albeit painful, parting.
Connie
Connie embodies the challenge of living in her mother's shadow, having experienced Ann's turbulent relationships and career. She represents the suburban ideal, navigating life as a soccer mom while wrestling with her own aspirations and the desire to break free from her mother's legacy.
Nina
Nina stands as the more rebellious and uncertain younger sister, choosing a life of wandering without the ties of commitment. Her struggle reflects the complexity of modern identity as she faces impending motherhood, forcing her to confront her past and the choices that brought her to this point.
Setting
Time period
The narrative takes place in a reflective past, entwining memories from Ann's college days with her present experience near the end of her life. The timeline captures a transformative period marked by love, loss, and societal pressures, enveloping the journey of various relationships through life's unpredictable turns.
Location
New York, Newport
New York serves as the vibrant backdrop for Ann's early life, where she shines as a nightclub singer, embodying the bustling spirit of the city. Newport, known for its affluent social scene and picturesque coastal views, becomes a contrasting environment where Ann feels out of place, struggling to fit into the expectations of high society.
Themes
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Love & Loss
The theme of love and loss is central to Ann's story as she reflects on her past relationship with Harris and the tragic fate of Buddy. Their intertwined destinies reveal the profound impact of love on personal choices, while the lingering guilt and sorrow shape Ann's final days, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of human connections.
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Identity
The theme of identity explores how societal expectations influence the characters' lives, particularly Ann's struggle to navigate her roles as a mother and a woman in love. The contrasting paths of her daughters, Connie and Nina, further highlight the quest for self amidst familial and societal pressures, leading to varied expressions of independence and stability.
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Regret
Regret permeates Ann's reflections as she grapples with her decisions regarding Harris and the tragic accident that claimed Buddy's life. This theme underscores the emotional weight of her past, as she confronts the haunting memories that shape her understanding of love, friendship, and the choices that define her existence.
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