Directed by
Tom Gormican
Made by
Focus Features
Discover the intricate plot of That Awkward Moment (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.
As Jason settles onto a bench in New York City, his reflective voiceover transports viewers back to the roots of his situation. He shares his realization that every romantic relationship eventually hits a turning point – that moment when one partner yearns for greater commitment. For Jason, this is often the harbinger of the end for any potential romance. This insight arises from his desire to hold on to the thrill of casual encounters, which he has come to cherish.
Moving ahead, we find Jason in his routine at a publishing house, working alongside his dependable friend Daniel on book cover designs. They are joined by their colleague Mikey, a former doctor now navigating life as a husband after receiving an unexpected divorce request from his college sweetheart, Vera. To commemorate this significant shift in Mikey’s life, the group heads to a local bar to celebrate his newfound freedom.
As they socialize, Daniel’s glamorous friend Chelsea attempts to distract Mikey from his marital woes. It is during this outing that Mikey meets “Glasses,” while Jason finds himself drawn to Ellie, connecting instantly after amusingly sabotaging another suitor vying for her affection. Though Mikey finds a promising lead with Glasses, he hesitates to take the next step, focusing instead on unraveling his complicated situation with Vera.
Jason’s chemistry with Ellie intensifies, leading him to take a leap forward – only to awkwardly retreat from her apartment after misinterpreting the circumstances, mistakenly believing she is a sex worker. As time goes by, Jason and Daniel traverse the intricate landscape of romance, embarking on distinct journeys with Ellie and Chelsea respectively. The tension runs high as they tiptoe around their earlier agreement to remain unattached, shrouding their relationships in secrecy. Meanwhile, Mikey rekindles his desire for Vera, culminating in a passionate encounter at the hospital that reignites the flames of their romance.
As Thanksgiving nears, the dynamics among the friends become increasingly fraught. Jason grapples with the decision of whether to honor Ellie’s invitation to her father’s funeral while wrestling with his reluctance to commit fully. Mikey’s dinner with Vera turns introspective, prompting her to confront a painful truth: her feelings have waned. Daniel finds himself caught in the turmoil of his evolving emotions for Chelsea.
The holiday meal soon transforms into a confrontation stage where buried secrets resurface and bonds weaken. Ultimately, Jason opts out of attending the funeral, leading to a strain in his relationship with Ellie. Mikey’s interaction with Vera acts as a wake-up call, pushing him to recognize the reality of their situation. Daniel’s underhanded actions come to light, leaving his connection with Chelsea in disarray.
In the aftermath, the friends must grapple with the consequences of their actions. Mikey reaches out to “Glasses” to explore a new romantic avenue, while Daniel crosses paths with Chelsea once more, potentially mending their bond. However, Jason finds himself in a stasis, yearning for Ellie, who is now absent from his life.
Fast forward two months, and Mikey and Daniel join forces to help Jason navigate his path back to Ellie’s heart. They motivate him to seize the moment during her book readings, hoping to rekindle their romance. Nevertheless, fate intervenes, and a crowded reading room leaves Jason feeling perplexed. Undeterred by the odds, he dares to improvise a heartfelt reading that intertwines their shared journey and concludes with a fervent request for a fresh start in Gramercy Park.
As the story circles back to the beginning, we find Jason waiting patiently in Gramercy Park, anticipating Ellie’s arrival. Time seems to stretch as the serene ambiance envelopes him, each passing hour marked by the quiet lapping of leaves. Finally, Ellie takes her place beside him on the bench, and he breaks the silence with a casual “So…”, opening the door to a potentially enlightening conversation that may unravel the complexities of their intertwined lives.
Track the key events of That Awkward Moment (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Jason's Reflection
In New York City, Jason reflects on his romantic experiences and the inevitable turning points in relationships. He realizes that the desire for greater commitment often signals the decline of casual encounters, which he values.
Work at the Publishing House
Jason is shown at his job in a publishing house where he collaborates with his friend Daniel on book cover designs. They also work with their colleague Mikey, who is struggling with a recent divorce request from his college sweetheart, Vera.
Celebration at the Bar
To celebrate Mikey's unexpected new phase of life post-divorce, the friends gather at a local bar. This outing becomes a pivotal moment as they seek to support each other and distract Mikey from his heartbreak.
Meeting Ellie
At the bar, Jason meets Ellie and experiences an immediate connection. He comically sabotages another suitor, showcasing his playful side and signaling the beginning of a deeper relationship with her.
Mikey's Hesitation
Despite meeting someone new, Mikey continues to grapple with his feelings for Vera, missing a chance at moving on. His focus remains on resolving the complexities of their past relationship rather than pursuing Glasses.
Awkward Retreat
As Jason's bond with Ellie deepens, he makes an awkward exit from her apartment after misjudging the situation. He mistakenly believes Ellie is a sex worker, causing a rift before their relationship can truly blossom.
Emotional Conflicts
As Thanksgiving approaches, tensions rise among the friends as they each navigate their feelings. Jason contemplates attending Ellie's father's funeral, while Mikey's dinner with Vera forces him to confront the reality of their dwindling relationship.
Confrontation at Thanksgiving Dinner
The holiday meal becomes a battleground of unresolved feelings, where Jason's absence from the funeral strains his connection with Ellie. Mikey realizes Vera's feelings have diminished, and Daniel faces the consequences of his actions regarding Chelsea.
Aftermath of the Confrontation
The fallout from Thanksgiving leads to significant changes in the friends' dynamics. Mikey reaches out to Glasses, while Daniel tries to reconnect with Chelsea; however, Jason finds himself stuck, longing for Ellie, who is now distant.
Support from Friends
Two months later, Mikey and Daniel team up to help Jason reclaim his connection with Ellie. They encourage him to attend her book readings, where they hope he can express his true feelings and initiate a fresh start.
Heartfelt Reading
During one of Ellie's readings, Jason seizes an opportune moment to share a heartfelt reading that intertwines their journey together. This bold move is intended to rekindle their romance and signify his willingness to commit.
Waiting in Gramercy Park
As the story comes full circle, Jason waits in Gramercy Park, filled with anticipation for Ellie's arrival. The tranquility of the park surrounds him as he reflects on the journey that led him to this moment.
A New Beginning
Finally, Ellie joins Jason on the bench, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. Jason breaks the silence with a casual remark, opening the door for a potentially transformative conversation about their future together.
Meet the characters that bring That Awkward Moment (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Jason (Michael B. Jordan)
Jason portrays a complex individual grappling with his fears of commitment, often retreating from deeper connections in favor of casual encounters. His journey reflects a struggle to balance the thrill of romance with the desire for something more meaningful. As he navigates his relationship with Ellie, his character evolves, revealing a deeper longing for love.
Daniel (Miles Teller)
As a dependable friend, Daniel provides comic relief and insight into the romantic struggles of his companions. He grapples with his own feelings for Chelsea while attempting to support Jason and Mikey. His character reflects the challenges of maintaining friendships against the backdrop of evolving romantic relationships.
Mikey
Mikey is a character in transition, navigating life after an unexpected divorce. His emotional journey reveals the struggles of balancing past love with the potential for new connections. Through his experiences, he learns about acceptance and the pursuit of happiness, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of relationships.
Ellie
Ellie serves as the romantic interest of Jason, representing his ideal connection amidst his fears of commitment. Her character embodies strength and vulnerability, challenging Jason to confront his emotions. Through their interactions, Ellie becomes a catalyst for Jason's growth, prompting him to rethink his approach to love.
Uncover the settings of That Awkward Moment (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
Modern Day
The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the complexities of modern romantic relationships. This time period showcases the challenges of commitment and connection in an era characterized by casual dating and shifting social norms. As friends navigate their romantic entanglements, the story captures the essence of love and heartache in the present day.
Location
New York City, Gramercy Park
New York City serves as the vibrant backdrop of the film, known for its bustling streets, diverse culture, and dynamic relationships. Among its many green spaces, Gramercy Park stands out as a serene oasis, offering a quiet escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The park is famous for its exclusivity and lush landscaping, making it the perfect setting for pivotal moments in Jason and Ellie's relationship.
Explore the core themes of That Awkward Moment (2014). 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 & Commitment
The film explores the theme of love and commitment, particularly the struggles individuals face when transitioning from casual relationships to deeper connections. Characters grapple with their desires for intimacy while fearing the vulnerability that comes with commitment. This tension ultimately shapes their encounters, leading to moments of both growth and heartache.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a crucial role in the narrative, serving as a support system for the characters in their romantic pursuits. The camaraderie between Jason, Daniel, and Mikey showcases how friends navigate life's challenges together, even as they face their own relationship dilemmas. Through shared experiences, they ultimately learn about loyalty, trust, and the complexities of love.
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