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Love Is Strange

Love Is Strange 2014

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Love Is Strange (2014). 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.


Benjamin Arthur Hull “Ben” (John Lithgow) and George Esteban Correa (Alfred Molina) are a devoted same-sex couple from Manhattan who finally tie the knot after 39 years together. Their relationship, like many, is characterized by the everyday challenges faced by a long-term couple. George, a passionate music teacher at a Catholic school, unexpectedly faces a significant setback when Father Raymond (John Cullum) delivers the news of his termination upon learning of their marriage, despite their 12-year friendship.

With George losing his income, the couple finds themselves unable to keep up with the mortgage on their beloved New York apartment and, regretfully, must put it up for sale. As they navigate the complexities of real estate, they learn about the difficult fees and commissions that gouge their limited resources, leaving them with a mere $17,535 in profit when they ultimately relinquish their home. Feeling the pressure of financial strain, they are forced to lean on their friends and family for temporary shelter, leading to a painful separation, which they hope will be short-lived until George secures another job.

Ben moves in with his nephew Elliot (Darren Burrows), his novelist wife Kate (Marisa Tomei), and their teenage son Joey (Charlie Tahan). Meanwhile, George finds refuge with their former neighbors, a vibrant same-sex couple, Roberto and Ted. As these new living arrangements unfold, both men wrestle with feelings of longing and the reality of being apart, while their hosts—Elliot, Kate, Joey, Roberto, and Ted—navigate the challenges of having guests in spaces meant for fewer inhabitants.

As days turn into weeks, the presence of Ben and George begins to strain familial dynamics. Kate struggles to write amidst Ben’s constant interruptions, while Ben finds his peaceful naps disrupted by Joey’s study sessions. Tensions rise, especially when Joey’s resentment towards Ben erupts, culminating in a confrontation when he discovers Vlad, a friend, posing for Ben’s art on the rooftop.

In George’s crowded temporary living situation, he contends with a lively household and the discrimination they face while searching for new accommodations due to their marriage. Meanwhile, Ben and George manage to carve out small moments together, often at the expense of Joey’s own comforts and privacy, leading to an awkward coexistence.

Tragedy strikes when Ben dislocates his shoulder while painting, further complicating matters and illuminating his vulnerabilities. Compounding the stress, it becomes clear that Joey is struggling in school, leading to a family discussion about possible substance use, ultimately placing blame on Ben’s intrusion into their lives.

As isolation looms, Ben contemplates moving to Poughkeepsie to stay with his sister Mindy, longing for connection with George. With time dwindling and their relationship feeling the weight of overwhelming challenges, the couple relentlessly seeks opportunities to be together.

The heart-wrenching culmination of their story comes when Ben succumbs to heart disease, instilling profound grief in Joey, who manages to preserve a piece of Ben’s spirit by gifting George a painting that Ben cherished. In a world filled with complexities, the narrative illustrates how love manifests in unexpected and often challenging ways.

Timeline

Track the key events of Love Is Strange (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Ben and George Tie the Knot

Benjamin Arthur Hull 'Ben' and George Esteban Correa finally get married after 39 years of a devoted relationship. Their union marks a significant milestone, yet it also starts a cascade of unforeseen challenges.

Recent Manhattan, NY

George Loses His Job

Following their marriage, George, a passionate music teacher, faces an unexpected setback when Father Raymond terminates his position at the Catholic school. This sudden loss of income sends shockwaves through their already strained finances.

Immediately after marriage Catholic School

Putting Their Apartment Up for Sale

Unable to afford their mortgage after George's job loss, the couple reluctantly decides to sell their cherished New York apartment. They encounter numerous fees and commissions, which severely diminish their expected profits.

Shortly after job loss New York Apartment

Strained Finances and Temporary Moves

With finances dwindling, Ben and George are forced to rely on friends and family for temporary housing. This situation leads to an emotionally painful separation as they cope with their new realities.

After selling apartment

Ben Moves In with Family

Ben settles in with his nephew Elliot, his wife Kate, and their teenager Joey. This transition is rocky as Ben struggles to fit into their space while navigating family dynamics and personal disruptions.

After separation Elliot's Home

George Finds Refuge with Neighbors

Meanwhile, George moves in with their former neighbors, Roberto and Ted, who provide him with a vibrant but chaotic living environment. This arrangement forces George to deal with discrimination while searching for new housing.

During separation Roberto and Ted's Home

Emerging Tensions

As time passes, the presence of Ben and George begins to strain their respective hosts. Ben's interruptions impact Kate's writing, and Joey's resentment culminates in a confrontation over Ben's artistic pursuits.

Weeks after moving in Elliot's Home

Ben's Shoulder Injury

Tragedy strikes when Ben dislocates his shoulder while painting, highlighting his vulnerability. This injury complicates his life further, affecting both his health and living conditions.

After tensions rise Elliot's Home

Joey's Struggles

Joey faces his own challenges, struggling in school and raising concerns about substance use. As the family dynamics shift, blame is unfairly placed on Ben, compounding the tension within the household.

Concurrent with Ben's injury Elliot's Home

Ben Contemplates Moving

Feeling the isolation of their circumstances, Ben considers relocating to Poughkeepsie to stay with his sister Mindy. This longing for connection reflects the strain on his relationship with George in the face of mounting challenges.

As isolation looms Poughkeepsie, NY

Searching for Togetherness

Despite the challenges, Ben and George persistently seek opportunities to be together. Their deep love drives them to navigate the obstacles separating them, holding onto hope as they strive for connection.

Throughout their separations

Heartbreaking Loss

The couple's story reaches a tragic climax when Ben succumbs to heart disease, leaving George and those around them in profound grief. This event marks a devastating turning point in the lives of everyone involved.

Final days

Joey Preserves Ben's Spirit

In the wake of Ben's passing, Joey finds solace in gifting George a cherished painting that Ben loved. This gesture symbolizes the enduring bond between them and the love that transcends even death.

After Ben's death

Reflection on Love

As the narrative concludes, the story illustrates how love manifests in unexpected and challenging ways. The complexities of relationships, particularly within the context of same-sex love, resonate deeply in their journey.

After reflecting on loss

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Love Is Strange (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Benjamin Arthur Hull "Ben"

Ben is a dedicated and caring partner whose artistic spirit shines through his passion for painting. His resilience is tested as he navigates the complexities of life away from George, revealing both vulnerability and strength. As he faces challenges, Ben's deep love for George remains a guiding force, even in the face of tragedy.

👨‍🎨 Artistic 💕 Loving 🌧️ Vulnerable

George Esteban Correa

George is a passionate music teacher who embodies creativity and devotion. His professional setbacks prompt a significant shift in his life and relationship with Ben. Throughout the film, George's yearning for connection and stability underscores his character's depth as he grapples with both love and loss.

🎶 Passionate 💔 Suffering 🧑‍🎤 Creative

Elliot

Elliot is Ben's supportive nephew, caught between his familial loyalty and the strain of hosting his uncle. His character represents the younger generation grappling with the complexities of inherited family dynamics, showcasing both compassion and the challenges of personal boundaries.

👨‍👦 Supportive ⚖️ Balancing 💬 Communicative

Kate

Kate is Elliot's wife, a novelist navigating her own struggles for creativity and peace while hosting her uncle Ben. Her character is marked by resilience, as she contends with disruptions caused by family dynamics while trying to maintain her artistic voice. Kate's frustration reflects the complexities of love and patience.

📖 Creative 😤 Frustrated 👩‍👧‍👦 Family-oriented

Joey

Joey is the teenage son who experiences the tension of having his home invaded by Ben and George's relationship. His character grapples with feelings of resentment, conflict, and ultimately, grief. As the narrative progresses, Joey's journey highlights the challenges of understanding and accepting love in different forms.

👦 Teenager 😡 Resentful 🥺 Grieving

Setting

Uncover the settings of Love Is Strange (2014), 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 story is set in contemporary times, reflecting current social issues surrounding same-sex relationships and the financial burdens that can accompany them. This period captures a moment when traditional values and modern relationships intersect, showcasing the evolving landscape of love and acceptance.

Location

Manhattan, Poughkeepsie

Manhattan serves as the primary setting for Ben and George's life together, known for its vibrant culture and bustling streets. It represents love, challenges, and the cherished memories built over their long relationship. Poughkeepsie, mentioned as a potential refuge, symbolizes hope for connection and comfort during difficult times.

🏙️ City 🏡 Home

Themes

Explore the core themes of Love Is Strange (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Love & Loss

The theme of love is central as it explores the bond between Ben and George through the trials of separation and adversity. Their long-standing relationship faces challenges, and ultimately, loss tests their connection. The narrative highlights how profound love can exist alongside grief and resilience.

🏠

Home & Belonging

The struggle to maintain a home emphasizes the theme of belonging. As Ben and George face the loss of their apartment, their journey reveals how home is not just a physical space, but also where relationships flourish amidst trials. The film poignantly illustrates the idea that true belonging comes from the connections we create with others.

🌀

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics play a crucial role as Ben and George move into temporary accommodations with relatives and neighbors. The film explores how relationships evolve in close quarters and reveals tensions that arise from familial love, support, and discomfort. It showcases the challenge of balancing individual needs with those of the family.

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