Made by
Screen Media Films
Discover the intricate plot of Literally, Right Before Aaron (2017). 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.
Adam receives an unexpected call from his ex-girlfriend, Allison, who invites him to her wedding. Though hesitant at first, her insistence and the promise that she would attend his own wedding someday sway him into agreeing.
As Adam navigates through his day at work, he finds himself sitting at a conference meeting where his editing skills for documentaries are praised. His focus has been on a nature documentary, but as he grapples with his emotions, Claire suggests that he should step out more and enjoy some quality time with friends. They decide to go bowling, but Adam’s mood is so heavy that he barely participates, letting his bowling ball roll straight into the gutter.
Later, he attends dinner with his current girlfriend, Helen. In a surprising twist, Adam first proposes to her, only for him to abruptly change direction and break things off, leaving her furious and hurt. The reflective tunes of Tony Bennett’s “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” bring forth a wave of nostalgia, prompting Adam to recall his cherished moments with Allison through vivid flashbacks.
Determined to confront his past, Adam makes the journey to San Francisco for the wedding. Upon checking into a hotel, he encounters the overly enthusiastic Rohan, who wants to prepare for any guests Adam might have. Adam reassures him that he is alone, leading him to grapple with feelings of loneliness.
During a stroll through a bookstore, an unexpected reunion with Greg delights him, although Adam pretends not to recognize him. Greg fondly reminisces about Adam and Allison, claiming they were the perfect couple. This encounters sparks further flashbacks of how they met at college, where purple-haired Allison captivated him among the shelves of classic literature.
As the wedding draws near, Adam connects with Aaron, who is overjoyed to see him. Yet, Adam feels the weight of trying to explain who he is to others unaware of his past with Allison. After sharing an intimate conversation with her, he faces an awkward moment when a guest reveals his recent breakup, adding to the tension.
Seeking some comfort, Adam heads out for a jog and visits his mother, Deb. She is ecstatic to see him but is left heartbroken when Adam tears up a photograph of him and Allison, an emblem of their past. In a rather questionable tennis match with Aaron, Adam learns to keep his spirits alive despite not playing well.
Fate leads him to Allison’s workplace, where they engage in an innocent conversation, revisiting their shared memories as they ride a cable car. Mark, his connection back home, raises questions about Adam attending the wedding solo, leading him to agree to bring along Talula, whom he meets and confides in before the celebration.
The wedding day arrives and Adam sits alongside Talula, anxiously waiting for the moment when everyone is asked to voice objections. In a moment of courage, he stands up, kisses Allison, to the cheers of the crowd. However, as he attempts to express his feelings, nervousness overtakes him, and he ends up choking on his words, leading to an awkward yet typical wedding conclusion.
At the reception, Adam converses with Allison’s mother, Wendy, and later encounters an exuberant Aaron who announces a cake reveal and his culinary journey in Paris. After a brief respite outside, he shares a smoke with Federico, who offers unexpected but insightful advice laced with references to Tom Petty songs.
Back inside, Adam attempts to engage with the festivities, even as he finds himself hiding in the restroom, where there’s a poignant discussion with Allison amidst the chaos of the wedding. Deep down, they confront their breakup’s unhealed facets, though the moment is fleeting as Leandra reminds Allison of her responsibilities.
As the evening winds down, Allison’s father raises a toast, but in a fit of emotion, Adam makes a drastic move and knocks over the wedding cake, leading to an unexpected chase with Aaron and Allison. The night takes a wild turn when Adam is unexpectedly hit by a car but brushes it off, leaving Allison visibly concerned. Just as swiftly, he disappears into the night, catching a bus that takes him towards the unknown.
In the closing credit sequence, glimpses of Adam appear against breathtaking backdrops—mountainous landscapes in the cold, peaceful boat rides on a serene lake, and a solitary venture hitchhiking, signifying his journey through love, loss, and the road ahead.
Track the key events of Literally, Right Before Aaron (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Unexpected Call
Adam receives an unexpected phone call from his ex-girlfriend, Allison, who invites him to her wedding. Initially hesitant, he is persuaded by her insistence and the promise that he would receive the same courtesy at his future wedding.
A Day at Work
At work, Adam sits through a conference meeting where his documentary editing skills are acknowledged. However, his thoughts drift as he struggles with his emotions regarding Allison.
A Night Out with Friends
Claire, a friend at work, suggests Adam should go out and enjoy time with others. Together, they decide to go bowling, but Adam is unable to lift his spirits and fails to engage in the fun, letting his bowling ball roll straight into the gutter.
Dinner with Helen
During dinner with his current girlfriend, Helen, Adam surprises her by proposing. However, he abruptly changes his mind and breaks things off, leaving her hurt and furious after his impulsive decision.
Nostalgic Flashbacks
Listening to Tony Bennett's 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' fills Adam with nostalgia, evoking vivid flashbacks of cherished moments spent with Allison. These memories compel him to confront his past feelings for her.
Journey to San Francisco
Determined to face his past, Adam travels to San Francisco for Allison's wedding. Upon his arrival, he checks into a hotel where he encounters Rohan, who exuberantly prepares for any guests Adam might have.
Reunion with Greg
While exploring a bookstore, Adam unexpectedly reunites with Greg, an old acquaintance. Although he pretends not to recognize him, they delve into nostalgic conversations about Adam and Allison's past relationship.
Connecting with Aaron
As the wedding nears, Adam reconnects with Aaron, who is excited to see him. However, Adam finds it challenging to explain his significance to the group, which deepens his feelings of isolation as he navigates the social atmosphere.
Visit to Mom
Seeking comfort, Adam visits his mother, Deb, who is overjoyed to see him. However, the visit turns emotional when Adam tears up a photograph of himself and Allison, heightening the tension of his unresolved feelings.
Encounter with Allison
Fate brings Adam to Allison's workplace, where they share a light-hearted conversation while riding a cable car. Their interaction allows them to reminisce about the essence of their past relationship, reawakening buried emotions.
The Wedding Day
On the day of the wedding, Adam sits alongside his friend Talula, nervously awaiting the moment when guests can voice objections. Seizing a moment of courage, he stands up to kiss Allison, though he stumbles over his words as he tries to express his feelings.
Cake Reveal and Conversations
During the reception, Adam converses with Allison's mother, Wendy, before encountering an excited Aaron who reveals a cake inspired by his culinary experiences in Paris. This light-hearted moment lifts Adam's spirits briefly amid the wedding festivities.
Deep Conversation with Allison
In the chaos of the wedding, Adam and Allison sneak away for a poignant discussion where they confront unresolved issues from their past. However, the moment is interrupted when Leandra calls Allison back to her responsibilities.
Drastic Move
As emotions run high, Adam accidentally knocks over the wedding cake, triggering a surprised reaction from the guests. This unexpected incident leads to a comedic chase with Aaron and Allison, breaking the tension of the day.
A Leap into Uncertainty
In a moment of reckless abandon, Adam is hit by a car while trying to escape the whirlwind of emotions. Remarkably brushing it off, he disappears into the night, boarding a bus that signifies his journey towards the unknown.
Meet the characters that bring Literally, Right Before Aaron (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Allison (Cobie Smulders)
Allison is a pivotal figure in Adam's life, representing both his past love and the memories that haunt him. Her wedding prompts Adam to reflect on their history and what they once shared. Despite moving on, her presence evokes a mix of nostalgia and unresolved feelings in Adam.
Adam (Justin Long)
Adam is depicted as a complex character grappling with his emotions after a breakup. His journey to the wedding unfolds his internal struggles and memories with Allison. Throughout the film, he represents the challenges of navigating modern relationships while seeking closure.
Helen (Ginger Gonzaga)
Helen is Adam's current girlfriend, who faces the abrupt challenge of their relationship when Adam proposes and subsequently breaks up with her. Her character adds tension and illustrates the difficulties of balancing past and present emotions.
Uncover the settings of Literally, Right Before Aaron (2017), 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 movie primarily takes place in contemporary times, focusing on personal relationships and the complexities of love. The characters navigate modern scenarios like social media connections, weddings, and emotionally charged moments that resonate with today's audience.
Location
San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a mix of stunning landscapes and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for weddings and celebrations. Its atmosphere is often filled with creative energy, attracting visitors from all walks of life.
Explore the core themes of Literally, Right Before Aaron (2017). 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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Love and Loss
The film explores the theme of love and its inevitable transitions, highlighting the emotional impact of breakups. Adam's journey serves as a reflection on past relationships, showcasing how memories can linger and influence one's present choices. The contrast between fond memories and current reality prompts a deep contemplation of what love means.
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Self-Discovery
Adam's journey to the wedding becomes a pivotal moment of self-discovery. As he confronts his past, he learns valuable lessons about moving forward and finding closure. The theme emphasizes personal growth through facing emotions and reconnecting with one’s true self amidst life's chaos.
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