The Five-Year Engagement 2012
Directed by
Nicholas Stoller
Made by
Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Five-Year Engagement (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
One year after the charming Tom Solomon, portrayed by Chris Pratt, met the brilliant Violet Barnes, brought to life by Emily Blunt, he decides to surprise her with a stunning engagement ring. His plan is straightforward yet elaborate: as they set out for a festive New Year’s Eve party, he concocts a reason to stop by his workplace. The picturesque staff patio at the trendy Birch, which boasts a breathtaking view of San Francisco’s Bay Bridge, serves as the perfect backdrop for his proposal. Amidst flickering candles and chilled champagne, with his best friend Alex in on the secret, Tom is understandably anxious. However, their tardiness to the party leads to tensions, and in a moment of frustration, he inadvertently reveals his intention, leading to their unexpected engagement!
On the surface, it seems that Tom and Violet are poised for a fairytale ending. As a sous chef at Birch, Tom stands on the brink of modernist culinary success and is ripe for promotion. Meanwhile, Violet is passionately entrenched in academia, on the verge of landing a coveted post-doctoral position in social psychology at UC Berkeley. With her capable nature, she takes charge of wedding planning, anticipating a beautiful marriage in the near future.
However, the search for the ideal wedding venue turns into a daunting task, only to be overshadowed by Violet’s disappointing rejection from her dream school. When the opportunity arises for her at the University of Michigan, she faces a tough decision. Supporting her ambitions, Tom sets aside his pride, encouraging her to seize the chance, assuring her that he can adapt and work in Michigan while postponing their wedding.
Once in Ann Arbor, Violet flourishes under the guidance of esteemed professor Winton, quickly forming friendships with her fellow graduate students, including Doug, Vaneetha, and Ming. On the other hand, Tom finds himself with an abundance of free time, leading him to take a job at Zingerman’s Deli, a beloved local eatery that represents a stark contrast to his fine dining roots. He forges a bond with his co-worker Tarquin and, under the influence of other faculty spouses like Bill, even takes up hunting.
Back in San Francisco, Alex secures the promotion that Tom had once hoped for and enters into marriage with Violet’s quirky sister, Suzie, swiftly starting a family with two kids. As they watch others seemingly glide through life, Tom and Violet are still without a wedding date, weighed down by the comedic misadventures that disrupt every attempt at scheduling their nuptials. As they grapple with the question of whether they are meant to be together, these two once hopeful individuals will navigate the humorous ups and downs of their relationship during the course of their five-year engagement, ultimately discovering if their love can withstand the test of time.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Five-Year Engagement (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tom's Proposal Plan
One year after meeting Violet, Tom Solomon plans a surprise engagement proposal. He chooses a picturesque staff patio at Birch, with a stunning view of San Francisco's Bay Bridge, to set the scene for his romantic gesture.
The Proposal Mishap
As Tom and Violet head to a New Year's Eve party, his excitement leads to an unexpected slip of the tongue. In a moment of frustration over their tardiness, Tom inadvertently reveals his plan to propose, resulting in a comedic yet memorable engagement.
Planning the Wedding
With their engagement secured, Tom and Violet embark on the journey of wedding planning. Violet takes charge, envisioning a beautiful wedding, but they soon realize that finding the ideal venue presents a daunting challenge.
Violet's Rejection
Violet faces disappointment when she is rejected from her dream academic position. This setback deeply affects her and puts additional stress on her relationship with Tom, as they grapple with the implications for their future together.
Michigan Opportunity
When Violet receives an offer from the University of Michigan, she is faced with a life-changing decision. Tom selflessly encourages her to pursue this opportunity, even if it means postponing their wedding plans.
Moving to Ann Arbor
Tom and Violet relocate to Ann Arbor for her new academic position. As Violet thrives in her studies, Tom must adapt to a new environment, leaving behind his aspirations in fine dining.
Tom's New Job
In Ann Arbor, Tom finds himself with plenty of free time and takes a job at Zingerman's Deli. Although it's a stark contrast to his previous work, he begins to form meaningful connections with his new colleagues.
Violet's Academic Success
Under the mentorship of Professor Winton, Violet blossoms in her academic career. She forges friendships with fellow graduate students, which enriches her experience but also deepens the distance between her and Tom.
Tom's New Interests
Influenced by his new social circle, Tom begins exploring hobbies outside of his culinary roots, including hunting. This shift highlights his efforts to adapt to life in Michigan while Violet pursues her dreams.
Alex's Promotion
Back in San Francisco, Tom's best friend Alex achieves the promotion that Tom had aspired to. His success adds another layer of complexity to Tom and Violet's parallel struggles in their respective careers.
The Growing Family
Alex marries Violet's quirky sister, Suzie, and they quickly start a family. Their rapid progression in life serves as a stark contrast to Tom and Violet's stalled wedding planning, intensifying their feelings of uncertainty.
Comedic Misadventures
Tom and Violet experience a series of comedic misadventures that thwart every attempt to finalize their wedding date. These moments bring humor to their journey but also force them to question their relationship's stability.
Self-Reflection
As they navigate the ups and downs of their engagement, Tom and Violet find themselves questioning whether they are truly meant to be together. The years of waiting and the challenges they face begin to weigh heavily on their hearts.
Discovering True Love
After five years of engagement filled with laughter and mischief, Tom and Violet embark on a journey to understand if their love can withstand the trials. Their relationship ultimately tests the limits of devotion, sacrifice, and yearning.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Five-Year Engagement (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Tom Solomon
Tom Solomon, portrayed by Chris Pratt, is a charming and supportive partner who initially dreams of a successful culinary career. Despite his initial confidence, he grapples with self-doubt as he prioritizes Violet's ambitions over his own, showcasing his willingness to adapt. Tom's journey reflects the challenges faced by many in balancing personal aspirations with romantic commitments.
Violet Barnes
Violet Barnes, brought to life by Emily Blunt, is an ambitious graduate student in social psychology. Her character embodies determination and resilience as she navigates academic challenges while planning a wedding. Despite setbacks, Violet's journey speaks to the strength of pursuing one's dreams without losing sight of love and connection.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Five-Year Engagement (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The storyline unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationship dynamics and societal expectations regarding marriage and career ambitions. The characters face challenges typical of young adults in a fast-paced environment, navigating personal growth alongside their evolving relationship.
Location
San Francisco, Ann Arbor
The movie takes place in two vibrant cities: San Francisco and Ann Arbor. San Francisco is known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and its rich culinary scene, as highlighted by the trendy restaurant Birch. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a dynamic college town that fosters academic excellence and community spirit.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Five-Year Engagement (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Commitment
The theme of commitment is central to the narrative as Tom and Violet navigate their engagement over five years. Their journey highlights the struggles of staying dedicated amidst life's unpredictabilities and personal aspirations, questioning if love can endure when faced with external pressures.
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Ambition
Ambition plays a significant role in shaping Tom and Violet's lives. As Violet pursues her academic dreams at the University of Michigan, the couple must reassess their priorities, turning their focus from wedding plans to supporting each other's career goals, ultimately highlighting the balance between love and ambition.
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Humor
Humor is woven throughout the story, with both characters experiencing a series of comedic misadventures that impede their wedding planning. The light-hearted tone emphasizes the absurdities of modern relationships, reminding viewers that love can be both a source of joy and a cause for laughter during trying times.
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