Like Crazy 2017
Directed by
Paolo Virzì
Made by
Strand Releasing
Plot Summary
Anna Gardner, an exchange student from Britain, finds herself deeply in love with Jacob Helm, an American classmate, as they navigate their college life in sunny Los Angeles. After their graduation, Anna decides to spend her summer with Jacob instead of returning home, blissfully unaware of the implications of overstaying her soon-to-expire student visa. Upon visiting London for a family commitment, Anna attempts to return to the U.S. but is met with a shock; immigration officials detain her and send her straight back to the U.K.
Despite Anna’s relentless attempts to challenge this immigration ruling, she learns she faces a ban from entering the United States. The separation takes its toll, putting a strain on their relationship as they adapt to the realities of a long-distance romance. In a bold move, Jacob sacrifices his thriving design business for a chance to see Anna in London. During his visit, he discovers that Anna’s parents, Bernard and Jackie, are actively trying to lift the ban through an immigration lawyer. Bernard hints that marriage might be a potential solution to their predicament, but Jacob finds himself wrestling with this uncomfortable proposal, leading to tension between the couple.
As time goes on, the emotional distance grows; Jacob begins a new relationship with Samantha, who harbors feelings for him, while Anna takes on a diverse role as a magazine secretary. Yet, no matter how hard she tries to move on, her heart remains tethered to Jacob. A moment of chaotic irony occurs when Jacob, while in conversation, mistakenly calls out for “Anna” when speaking to Samantha, highlighting how intertwined their lives still are.
In a pivotal moment, both Anna and Jacob confront the undeniable truth of their feelings during a heartfelt phone call from London, realizing that they will not find the same connection with anyone else. This revelation propels them toward the decision to get married, culminating in a small but meaningful ceremony in front of her parents, where they vow to protect their love fiercely. However, as Jacob returns to Los Angeles, the couple faces the turbulent challenge of awaiting the resolution of Anna’s visa ban.
Months pass, and Jacob’s return to the U.K. for their appeal ends in disappointment as the ban is upheld. Worn down by frustration and jealousy, their relationship becomes contentious, leading Jacob to rekindle his romance with Samantha while Anna explores a new relationship with Simon. Career-wise, Anna makes significant strides by achieving her dream promotion to editor. Nevertheless, despite this professional success, she grapples with the stark realization that her feelings for Simon pale in comparison to the love she holds for Jacob.
Eventually, with a stroke of fortune, Anna receives an offer for a new visa and invites her parents to a dinner with Simon. However, the evening does not go as planned, leading to Simon’s proposal, which Anna refuses. In a decisive move, she abandons her job, relationship, and her apartment, embarking on a journey back to Los Angeles. Their reunion at the airport is laced with emotional awkwardness as Jacob welcomes her with flowers. Once back at his home, they share a shower, where the cascading water washes over them, allowing their memories of happier times together to resurface amidst the complexities that their relationship has faced during their time apart.
Timeline
Anna's Arrival in Los Angeles
Anna Gardner, an exchange student from Britain, arrives in sunny Los Angeles to attend college. Here, she meets Jacob Helm, an American classmate, and they quickly develop a deep romantic connection as they navigate their college lives together.
Graduation and Decision
After their graduation, Anna decides to spend the summer with Jacob instead of returning home to the UK. This decision sets the stage for a series of complications stemming from her soon-to-expire student visa.
Detained at Immigration
While visiting London for a family commitment, Anna tries to return to the U.S. but is detained by immigration officials. Shockingly, she is sent straight back to the U.K., facing an unexpected separation from Jacob.
Fighting the Immigration Ruling
Anna desperately struggles against the immigration ruling that has landed her with a ban from entering the United States. Despite her relentless attempts, she feels the emotional toll of being away from Jacob.
Jacob's Sacrifice
In a bold show of love, Jacob sacrifices his growing design business to visit Anna in London. During this visit, he learns about Anna's parents' efforts to lift the immigration ban via legal channels.
Marriage Proposal Discussion
Jacob discovers that Anna's parents are considering marriage as a possible solution to her ban. While this proposal strains their relationship, Jacob wrestles with the implications, considering his commitment to Anna.
New Relationships
As time passes, Jacob begins a new relationship with Samantha, who harbors feelings for him, while Anna takes a job as a magazine secretary. Despite attempts to move on, both struggle with their lingering love for each other.
Awkward Moments of Connection
In a moment of chaotic irony, Jacob calls out for 'Anna' while speaking to Samantha, revealing how intertwined their lives remain. This incident starkly highlights the emotional connection they still share despite the distance.
Heartfelt Revelation
During a heartfelt phone call from London, Anna and Jacob confront their enduring feelings for one another. This moment prompts them to consider marrying, realizing they cannot find the same connection with anyone else.
Their Wedding
Anna and Jacob have a small but meaningful wedding ceremony in front of her parents, solidifying their commitment to protect their love. They exchange vows, despite the uncertainty of Anna's immigration status.
Awaiting Visa Resolution
After Jacob returns to Los Angeles, the couple faces the challenge of waiting for the resolution of Anna's visa ban. This uncertainty creates strain on their relationship as the distance and frustration grow.
Unsuccessful Appeal
Jacob returns to the U.K. for their appeal, but they are met with disappointment as the ban is upheld. This setback exacerbates their relationship tensions, pushing Jacob to rekindle his romance with Samantha.
Anna's Professional Success
While navigating her feelings, Anna achieves a significant career milestone by receiving a promotion to editor at her magazine. However, she wrestles with the realization that her feelings for Simon do not compare to her love for Jacob.
Dinner and Proposal
Anna invites her parents to dinner with Simon, hoping for a favorable evening. However, the night takes an unexpected turn when Simon proposes, and Anna turns him down, realizing her heart still belongs to Jacob.
Reunion in Los Angeles
Anna makes the bold decision to leave behind her job, relationship, and apartment to reunite with Jacob. Their emotional reunion at the airport, filled with awkwardness, marks the beginning of a new chapter for them both.
Characters
Anna Gardner
Anna is an exchange student whose journey is defined by her love for Jacob and the challenges posed by immigration. Her determination to be with Jacob pushes her to confront the heartache of separation and the sacrifices needed to pursue her happiness. Despite facing significant obstacles, she remains resilient and emotionally driven.
Jacob Helm
Jacob is an American student whose life becomes intertwined with Anna’s. His sacrifices for love illustrate his deep commitment, but he also grapples with the reality of moving on when faced with challenges. His character reflects the complexities of young love and the emotional turmoil that can arise when relationships face external pressures.
Samantha
Samantha serves as a foil to Anna, representing the temptation to move on from a lost love. Her feelings for Jacob create tension, showcasing the complexity of relationships where one partner is emotionally tied to another. Her character highlights the struggle between moving forward and remaining tethered to the past.
Simon
Simon represents a potential new beginning for Anna, yet his presence also underscores her unresolved feelings for Jacob. His proposal challenges Anna's emotional state, forcing her to confront her true desires and priorities. He embodies the complications that arise when one is caught between the past and the present.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues such as immigration, long-distance relationships, and the complexities of young love. The characters navigate their emotional struggles against the backdrop of present-day societal expectations and personal aspirations.
Location
Los Angeles, London
Los Angeles is known for its vibrant entertainment industry and sunny weather, making it a popular spot for college life and romance. London, steeped in history, offers a rich backdrop as the setting for immigration challenges and family dynamics. Both cities play crucial roles in shaping the characters' journeys and their tumultuous relationship.
Themes
❤️
Love
Love is the central theme of the film, dictating the characters' decisions and emotional turmoil. Anna and Jacob's relationship is tested by distance and immigration challenges, but their deep connection ultimately drives them to seek a way back to each other. Their journey emphasizes the lengths one will go for love, regardless of the obstacles.
✈️
Separation
Separation plays a significant role as Anna’s immigration issues drive a wedge between her and Jacob. The emotional strain of long-distance love highlights the challenges couples face when separated by circumstances beyond their control. This theme resonates throughout, showcasing the struggle to maintain a bond despite physical distance.
⚖️
Immigration
The theme of immigration is pivotal in shaping the characters' destinies. Anna’s visa complications bring to light the bureaucratic challenges faced by many individuals in their pursuit of love and happiness. The emotional impact of immigration laws on relationships is poignantly explored, revealing the harsh realities of such situations.
🧑🤝🧑
Sacrifice
Sacrifice emerges as a recurring theme as Jacob and Anna both make significant sacrifices to be together. Jacob's decision to give up his business showcases his commitment, while Anna ultimately chooses love over career and comfort. This theme illustrates the idea that true love often requires difficult choices and selflessness.
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