Directed by
Danny Boyle
Made by
Universal Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Steve Jobs (2015). 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.
The film begins with an engaging montage featuring Arthur C. Clarke discussing the significance of personal computers in our future. It’s 1984, Cupertino, California, where Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender), his dedicated assistant Joanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet), and Andy Hertzfeld try to troubleshoot the Macintosh computer moments before its highly anticipated launch. The atmosphere buzzes with tension as they frantically work in a performing arts center, desperate to ensure that the Macintosh will greet its audience with a friendly ‘hello’.
With the clock ticking down, Joanna suggests omitting the voice feature from the demo, but Steve adamantly insists it must be included, fearing that its success hinges on this very moment. He frantically instructs Andy to rectify the issue, expressing frustration when confronted by the limitations of their tools. Joanna, aware of the media presence, including Joel Pforzheimer from GQ, emphasizes the need for discretion, urging them not to discuss the computer’s difficulties aloud. She highlights the stakes—Steve’s ambition to sell a million units in three months. Their exchange reveals cracks in Steve’s drive, reflecting both his brilliance and chaotic nature.
As tensions rise, Joanna leads in some comic relief with the revelation of Steve’s daughter Lisa. Their strained family dynamic is spotlighted when Chrisann, Lisa’s mother, confronts Steve about his responsibilities, arguing that he casts shadows over their now meager life after his rift with Apple. Despite her insistence on their connection, insinuations about paternity tests and financial obligations lead to further friction. While tension permeates backstage, the young Lisa expresses curiosity about her father, connecting dots that reveal just how much their relationship is strained.
Intertwined in the narrative is Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen), whose awkwardness adds levity to this high-stakes environment. Their discussions about the launch highlight Steve’s singular focus on the Macintosh while dismissing the contributions of others. A sense of rivalry, paternal concern, and a desperate need for validation are woven throughout these interactions.
As the scene shifts forward to 1988, Steve is introduced to NeXT, where he remains fixated on perfectionism, distancing himself emotionally from those around him, particularly from Joanna. Dialogues echo past grievances, showcasing Steve’s unyielding nature and his obsession with aesthetics. Joanna’s challenges against Steve’s skewed perceptions lead to an underlying tension between them, culminating in reflective discussions that reveal more to Steve than he wishes to acknowledge.
In a fluid transition through the film, we witness the pressures of sales, innovation, and personal redemption, building towards Steve’s poignant realization about his family and authentic connections. The audience is drawn into a compelling conclusion when Steve finally embraces his unique narrative of innovation and grapples with his personal history.
In the denouement, as the iMac comes to life, Steve shifts from a self-centered innovator to a more deeply layered man, reconnecting with Lisa on a heartfelt level. The warmth that emerges from this connection contrasts sharply with the earlier complexities of his relationships. Closing echoes emphasize “I want to live with you”, revealing how his journey encompasses more than just groundbreaking technology—it’s also about familial reconnections and personal growth.
In a reflective moment set against Bob Dylan’s “Shelter from the Storm,” Steve steps back to envision a future filled with promise, forgetting the pressure of the public eye and cherishing the intimate moments with his daughter. The movie concludes not with a triumphant technology launch but rather with a transformative personal victory, signifying that the greatest creation might just be the relationships built along the way.
Track the key events of Steve Jobs (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Arthur C. Clarke's Montage
The film opens with a montage featuring Arthur C. Clarke discussing the significance of personal computers. This sets the stage for the technological revolution that is about to unfold in the movie.
Macintosh Launch Preparation
In Cupertino, California, Steve Jobs and his team, including Joanna Hoffman and Andy Hertzfeld, rush to troubleshoot the Macintosh before its big launch. The atmosphere is thick with anxiety, and they are determined to ensure the computer greets the audience with a friendly 'hello'.
Tension Over Voice Feature
With time running out, Joanna suggests leaving out the voice feature from the demo to ease the pressure. However, Steve insists its inclusion is crucial for the Macintosh's success, leading to heightened tensions amid their frantic preparations.
Financial Stakes
Joanna highlights the stakes of the launch, emphasizing Steve's ambitious goal to sell a million units in just three months. Their conversation reveals deeper issues within the team and Steve’s chaotic leadership style.
Steve's Family Dynamics
As the pressure mounts, the narrative shifts to Steve’s strained relationship with his daughter, Lisa. Confronted by Chrisann, Lisa’s mother, Steve faces uncomfortable truths about his responsibilities and past decisions.
Insecurity About Paternity
Chrisann's confrontation leads to discussions about paternity tests and financial obligations, highlighting the complexity of Steve’s relationships. This moment emphasizes the emotional distance between Steve and his family.
Steve Wozniak's Contribution
Steve Wozniak enters the scene with his unique awkwardness, providing comic relief amidst the pressure of the launch. His interactions with Steve reveal the tension between collaboration and Steve’s singular focus on the Macintosh.
Shift to NeXT
The film transitions to 1988, introducing Steve's involvement with NeXT. His obsession with perfectionism continues to widen the emotional gap between him and those close to him, including Joanna.
Joanna's Challenge
Joanna challenges Steve's skewed perceptions about aesthetics and innovation, leading to underlying tensions. Their conversations reveal more profound grievances and showcase the emotional distance created by Steve’s relentless nature.
Personal Redemption Journey
As the pressures of sales and innovation mount, Steve begins a journey toward personal redemption. He starts to confront his past and the relationships that have shaped his identity.
Realization of Family Importance
In the film's climax, Steve acknowledges the significance of his family and authentic connections. This moment of reflection marks a turning point in his character development.
iMac Reveal
As the iMac comes to life, Steve’s transition from a self-centered innovator to a more layered individual is completed. His reconnection with Lisa highlights the emotional warmth he was previously lacking.
Reconnection with Lisa
Steve shares a heartfelt moment with his daughter, reflecting the emotional growth he has undergone. This connection contrasts sharply with earlier complexities in their relationship.
Closure Through Reflection
In a poignant moment accompanied by Bob Dylan's music, Steve envisions a promising future. This marks a departure from the pressures of public life, as he chooses to value intimate family connections.
Transformative Victory
The film concludes with Steve’s journey symbolizing a transformative personal victory. He realizes that the most significant creations are not just technological innovations but also the relationships we build.
Meet the characters that bring Steve Jobs (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender)
Steve Jobs is portrayed as a visionary with a complex personality, driven by ambition and perfectionism. His relentless pursuit of innovation often leads to strained relationships with those around him, especially his daughter. Through various interactions, he reveals layers of vulnerability and the emotional cost of his genius.
Joanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet)
Joanna Hoffman serves as Steve Jobs' dedicated assistant, providing both support and challenge throughout the film. She represents a voice of reason amidst the chaos, navigating the pressures of a high-stakes environment while also highlighting the emotional toll of Jobs' ambition. Her character adds depth to the narrative by showcasing both loyalty and the need for personal integrity.
Andy Hertzfeld
Andy Hertzfeld is depicted as a key technical team member working on the Macintosh computer. He embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration but often finds himself caught in the tension between Jobs' exacting standards and the practical challenges faced by the team. His character reflects the challenges of creativity under pressure.
Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen)
Steve Wozniak is portrayed as the more approachable, laid-back counterpart to Jobs' intense personality. He adds humor to the narrative while grappling with the recognition and appreciation of his contributions. His character embodies the struggle between collaboration and the quest for individual acknowledgment in the tech world.
Lisa
Lisa, Steve Jobs' daughter, embodies innocence and curiosity, reflecting the complexities of their strained relationship. Her presence serves as a catalyst for Jobs' personal growth, prompting him to confront his family dynamics and emotional barriers. Throughout the film, she symbolizes the potential for connection and understanding despite past grievances.
Uncover the settings of Steve Jobs (2015), 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
1984, 1988
The events of the film take place during the mid-1980s, a transformative period marked by the rise of personal computers. This era witnessed significant technological advancements and a burgeoning digital culture that shaped the future of communication and information accessibility. The stark realities of business and personal relationships play against the backdrop of emerging technologies.
Location
Cupertino, California
Cupertino, California, is known as a pivotal location in the tech industry, primarily due to its association with Apple Inc. The city is home to various technology companies, making it a hub for innovation and creativity. The film captures the essence of this vibrant atmosphere during a critical moment in computing history.
Explore the core themes of Steve Jobs (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🖥️
Innovation
Innovation is at the core of the film, showcasing the relentless pursuit of perfection and creativity in technology. Steve Jobs embodies the drive for groundbreaking advancements, often at the expense of personal relationships. The theme explores the intersection of ambition and emotional connections, highlighting the sacrifices made in the name of innovation.
👪
Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in Jobs' journey, illustrating the tension between professional aspirations and personal responsibilities. The strained relationship between Steve and his daughter, Lisa, reveals the emotional costs of his relentless ambition. The theme emphasizes the importance of familial connections and the impact they have on personal growth.
⚖️
Redemption
The theme of redemption weaves throughout the narrative as Steve confronts his past choices and relationships. His journey towards acknowledging and improving connections with his family highlights a transformative arc. Ultimately, redemption is framed not just as personal success, but also about understanding and embracing one’s vulnerabilities.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.