She's Having a Baby 1988
Directed by
John Hughes
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of She's Having a Baby (1988). 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.
Recent college graduate and aspiring writer Jefferson “Jake” Briggs (Kevin Bacon) is nervously awaiting his wedding to Kristen “Kristy” Bainbridge (Elizabeth McGovern), sitting in front of the church surrounded by family and friends. His best friend Davis McDonald (Alec Baldwin) reassures him that he has loved Kristy since he was just sixteen, helping to calm his nerves. With love in the air, Jake marries Kristy, stepping into a new chapter of life.
After a brief honeymoon, the duo relocates to New Mexico where Jake aims to pursue graduate school. However, frustrations with his academic program start to mount. Despite Kristy’s encouragement to stick it out, Jake ultimately decides to drop out, leading them back to their hometown in Illinois. Here, Jake grapples with his future prospects, which are complicated when Kristy’s father Russ (William Windom) criticizes Jake for not being able to provide for his family.
Jake’s fortunes begin to change when he applies for a position at a Chicago advertising agency. During the interview process, despite his interviewers, Howard (Paul Gleason) and Bill (related to Dennis Dugan), uncovering some discrepancies on his resume, they are captivated by his creativity and ultimately decide to hire him.
With Jake’s new job and Kristy’s income combined, they manage to buy a home in the suburbs. Yet, as he adjusts to the demands of adult life, Jake finds himself weighed down by responsibilities, all while continuing to work on his novel. Two years later, Davis shows up from New York City with his model girlfriend Erin (Valeri Breiman). Despite Kristy’s protests, Jake invites them to stay, creating tension as Davis attempts to lure Jake away to chase his writing dreams, insisting that his life in suburbia isn’t enough.
Kristy’s desire to start a family begins to clash with Jake’s hesitance toward fatherhood. In secret, she halts her birth control without discussing it with Jake. When Kristy eventually reveals the truth and they start fertility testing, Jake feels conflicted but agrees to try for a baby.
The plot thickens when Davis returns for his father’s funeral and is welcomed to stay once more. During heartfelt moments, he confides to Kristy his long-standing love for her, to which she replies firmly that her heart belongs to Jake, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Soon after, Kristy shares the joyful news of her pregnancy. As they prepare for parenthood, Jake remains deeply engrossed in his writing. But when Kristy’s labor begins, chaos ensues as complications arise, thrusting Jake into a cycle of fear for both his wife and child. After an arduous delivery, they welcome a healthy baby boy into their lives. Relieved and overjoyed, Jake reads his manuscript, ‘She’s Having A Baby’, to Kristy and their newborn, solidifying their new family dynamic in this poignant slice of life.
Timeline
Track the key events of She's Having a Baby (1988) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jake Waits at the Altar
Recent college graduate Jake nervously awaits his wedding to Kristy in front of the church, surrounded by family and friends. His best friend Davis reassures him about his love for Kristy, helping to ease his anxiousness before the big moment.
The Wedding Ceremony
Jake and Kristy exchange vows in a heartfelt wedding ceremony, marking the beginning of their new life together. With love celebrated by their closest friends and family, they step into marriage excited about the future.
Honeymoon and Move to New Mexico
After a brief honeymoon, Jake and Kristy relocate to New Mexico to embark on a new adventure. Jake hopes to pursue graduate school; however, the challenges of this new chapter soon begin to surface.
Dropping Out of Graduate School
Struggling with the pressures of graduate school, Jake grapples with frustration and self-doubt. Despite Kristy's encouragement to persevere, he ultimately makes the decision to drop out, leading them back to their hometown.
Return to Hometown
Jake and Kristy return to their hometown in Illinois, where Jake faces pressure from Kristy’s father, Russ. He criticizes Jake for not being able to provide for his family, adding to Jake’s feelings of inadequacy.
Job Interview in Chicago
Jake applies for a position at a Chicago advertising agency and faces scrutiny during the interview. Despite some discrepancies on his resume, his creativity impresses the interviewers, Howard and Bill, who decide to hire him.
Buying Their First Home
With the combination of both their incomes, Jake and Kristy manage to purchase a home in the suburbs. This milestone signifies a step towards settling into their adult lives as they navigate new responsibilities.
Davis Visits from New York
Two years later, Jake's best friend Davis comes to visit, accompanied by his model girlfriend, Erin. The visit creates tension at home as Davis attempts to persuade Jake to abandon suburban life to chase after his writing dreams.
Conflicts Over Parenthood
As Kristy expresses her desire to start a family, Jake remains hesitant about fatherhood. In a secretive move, Kristy stops taking her birth control, ultimately leading to conversations about fertility testing when she reveals her decision.
Davis’s Father’s Funeral
Davis returns for his father's funeral and is once again welcomed into their home. During this emotional time, he confesses his long-standing love for Kristy, but she reaffirms her commitment to Jake, clarifying her feelings.
Kristy's Pregnancy Announcement
Kristy surprises Jake with the joyous news of her pregnancy. As they prepare for the upcoming arrival, Jake becomes more engrossed in his writing, trying to balance creative pursuits with impending parenthood.
Chaos During Labor
When Kristy goes into labor, the situation quickly turns chaotic as complications arise. Jake is thrust into a state of fear for both Kristy and their unborn child, adding to the emotional tension of the moment.
Welcoming Their Baby Boy
After a long and arduous delivery, Jake and Kristy welcome a healthy baby boy into their lives. This moment of relief and joy marks a significant milestone in their journey as a family.
Reading 'She's Having A Baby'
After bringing their newborn home, Jake reads his manuscript, 'She's Having A Baby,' to Kristy and their child. This intimate moment solidifies their new family dynamic and showcases the blend of love and ambition in their lives.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring She's Having a Baby (1988) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jefferson 'Jake' Briggs
Jake is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer who is trying to find his place in the world. He loves Kristy deeply but grapples with the pressures of adulthood and his hesitance about starting a family. His complexity as a character shines through his internal struggles and growth over the course of the film.
Kristen 'Kristy' Bainbridge
Kristy is Jake's supportive yet determined wife who dreams of starting a family. Her desire for children creates tension in their relationship as she navigates her own needs and aspirations. Kristy's journey reflects the challenges faced by many women balancing career ambitions with personal life goals.
Davis McDonald
Davis is Jake's best friend who brings a carefree energy into Jake's life. His own pursuits in New York City serve as a foil to Jake's more settled suburban life. The complexity of his feelings for Kristy adds another layer of tension and competitive spirit to the narrative, challenging Jake's dedication.
Russ
Kristy's father, Russ, exerts pressure on Jake by questioning his ability to provide for his family. He represents the traditional expectations of masculinity and success. His critical stance reveals the weight of societal norms on Jake and adds to the story's exploration of family dynamics.
Setting
Uncover the settings of She's Having a Baby (1988), 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
Contemporary
Set in a contemporary era, the film captures the struggles of young adulthood, including the adjustments and expectations faced by newlyweds. The challenges of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities are highlighted, reflecting the societal norms and pressures of the time. The narrative unfolds over several years, emphasizing the evolution of relationships and life choices.
Location
New Mexico, Illinois, Chicago, Suburbs
The movie transitions from New Mexico, where Jake begins his graduate school journey, to Illinois, where he grapples with his future amidst familial expectations. Chicago plays a pivotal role as the city where Jake secures a job at an advertising agency, marking a significant shift in his career. The suburban setting symbolizes the new stage of life for Jake and Kristy as they begin their family.
Themes
Explore the core themes of She's Having a Baby (1988). 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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Parenthood
The theme of parenthood is central as Jake and Kristy navigate their desire for a family amidst personal aspirations. Their journey through fertility testing and the anticipation of a child encapsulates the complexity of becoming parents. The film explores the emotional turmoil and joys that accompany this transition, ultimately highlighting the significance of family.
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Love and Commitment
The love between Jake and Kristy is tested as they face various challenges in their marriage. Jake's reluctance towards fatherhood contrasts with Kristy's eagerness, creating a tension that threatens their union. The film delves into the essence of commitment, emphasizing that love must adapt to changing circumstances.
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Ambition
Ambition plays a significant role in Jake's character, as he strives to fulfill his dreams of becoming a writer. His journey through graduate school and the subsequent move back home illustrates the struggles of achieving personal goals while balancing societal expectations. The film critiques the notion of success, questioning what it truly means to lead a fulfilled life.
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