Directed by
Ned Benson
Made by
Far Hills Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of The Greatest Hits (2024). 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.
Harriet’s existence is a relentless cycle of sorrow, forever haunted by the tragic car accident that claimed her boyfriend, Max, two years ago. Her grief becomes even more complicated due to an unusual affliction: whenever she hears songs associated with their time together, she is inexplicably thrust back into those moments. This phenomenon often manifests as a seizure in the present, leading Harriet to take drastic steps such as wearing noise-cancelling headphones in public to avoid these unwanted temporal excursions.
As she strives to navigate her path toward emotional recovery, Harriet continuously seeks ways to alter the past and save Max’s life. During one of her temporal journeys, she confronts him with a profound question: > “Would you sacrifice our entire relationship—our love—if it meant securing your survival?” This inquiry weighs heavily on her, forcing Harriet to wrestle with the complexities of her situation.
In a support group designed for those grieving lost loved ones, Harriet encounters David Park, a fellow soul grappling with the loss of his parents while trying to maintain their antique business. As a bond forms between them, Morris, a close confidant of Harriet and her sole ally in time travel, encourages her to consider moving past her memories of Max and opening the door to a new chapter in her life.
However, when social events become abundant, Harriet finds the allure of reliving treasured memories irresistibly compelling. A song that triggers her emotional responses sends her spiraling back to the enchanting moment she first met Max at a concert, where their impulsive connection blossomed. In the present, she shields her heart by dismissing David’s queries regarding her enigmatic headphones, opting to keep her temporal journeys a secret.
As their relationship deepens, Harriet decides to share her extraordinary abilities with David. Initially met with skepticism, he eventually recognizes the truth in her revelations. This realization confronts them with a critical question: can love truly transcend the boundaries of time? For Harriet, this leads to an intense introspection—though she has grown to love David, she cannot ignore the poignant truth that had Max survived, their paths might never have intertwined. These reflections prepare the stage for a heart-wrenching examination of what it means to change one’s fate and the sacrifices required in the quest for happiness.
In this reimagined landscape, Harriet’s world has evolved; the headphones that previously safeguarded her from overwhelming stimuli now collect dust, symbols of a past fraught with anxiety and indecision. Amidst this transformation, Max unexpectedly appears, arm-in-arm with another woman, radiating an aura of contentment. Yet, in this serene tableau, neither Harriet nor Max notices each other, too entangled in their individual conflicts.
In a twist of fate, Harriet and Morris attend a concert, engulfed by the vibrant energy of live music. As they sway to the rhythms, David and his sister occupy nearby seats, their faces illuminated by shared delight in the performance. In this joyous atmosphere, Harriet’s eyes lock with David’s, igniting sparks of connection that resonate deeply. This fleeting moment will soon propel a series of events that will indelibly change their lives.
Track the key events of The Greatest Hits (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Harriet's Tragic Loss
Two years ago, Harriet's life was irrevocably altered by a tragic car accident that took her boyfriend, Max, from her. This sorrow has since become an unbearable weight on her soul, shaping her daily existence.
Unusual Affliction
Harriet discovers an unusual affliction that triggers temporal excursions whenever she hears songs associated with her memories of Max. This phenomenon manifests as seizures, compelling her to wear noise-cancelling headphones in public to shield herself from overwhelming emotions.
Seeking Emotional Recovery
As she navigates her grief, Harriet desperately seeks methods to alter the past in hopes of saving Max’s life. These attempts often lead to fleeting moments of confrontation with her lost love during her temporal journeys.
Confronting Max
During one of her visits to the past, Harriet confronts Max with a profound question about their relationship. She asks if he would sacrifice their love in order to secure his own survival, leading her to grapple with the consequences of potential choices.
Support Group Encounter
In her quest for healing, Harriet joins a support group for those mourning lost loved ones. Here, she meets David Park, a man struggling with the loss of his parents, and they gradually form a supportive bond amidst their shared grief.
Encouragement from Morris
Morris, a close friend and constant ally, encourages Harriet to let go of her memories of Max and to open herself to new possibilities. His support ignites a flicker of hope in Harriet, urging her to consider moving forward in life.
Reliving the Past
As Harriet becomes entangled in social events, the temptation to relive her cherished memories of Max grows stronger. One particular song sends her spiraling back to the moment they first met at a concert, an experience filled with impulsive connection.
Keeping Secrets
Despite forming a deeper relationship with David, Harriet keeps her temporal journeys a secret from him. She deflects his questions about her headphones, as she fears he wouldn't understand her unusual situation.
Sharing Her Abilities
Eventually, Harriet opens up to David about her extraordinary ability to travel through time during moments of emotional resonance. His initial skepticism turns into belief as he witnesses the truth behind her experiences.
Questioning Love's Power
This revelation leaves them both pondering whether love can truly transcend the boundaries of time. Harriet's introspection reveals her struggle between her growing feelings for David and the lingering attachments to her past with Max.
A New Reality
As time passes, Harriet's world undergoes a transformation. The headphones that once provided her solace from memories of Max now lay untouched, symbolizing her desire to move on from her past pain.
Encounter at Concert
During a concert attended with Morris, Harriet’s attention shifts as she and David spot each other amidst the crowd. A shared moment of spark passes between them, hinting at a developing connection that could alter their future.
David's Sister
At the concert, David's sister is also present, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of live music. This dynamic adds an element of joy and camaraderie, allowing Harriet a brief escape from her grief.
A Moment of Connection
As music fills the air, Harriet and David's eyes lock in shared delight, igniting a connection that could lead to significant changes in their lives. This fleeting moment serves as a catalyst for future developments in their relationship.
Next Steps
As Harriet reflects on her experiences, she realizes that she must make choices about the path forward. The intertwining of her past with Max and her present relationship with David presents a complex journey ahead.
Meet the characters that bring The Greatest Hits (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Harriet Gibbons (Lucy Boynton)
Harriet is a deeply introspective character battling the grief of losing her boyfriend, Max. She is portrayed as resilient yet vulnerable, struggling to reconcile her past with her present. Her unique temporal experiences lead her on a journey of self-discovery, influencing her relationships and ultimately propelling her towards healing.
Max Enders (David Corenswet)
Max is Harriet's late boyfriend, whose memory profoundly impacts her emotional landscape. Although he is not physically present, his essence looms over Harriet’s life, representing lost love and the unresolved questions that accompany it. His character symbolizes the idyllic moments of a relationship overshadowed by tragic loss.
David Park (Justin H. Min)
David is a supportive figure who connects with Harriet through their shared experiences of grief. His character embodies compassion and understanding, offering Harriet a chance at new love while grappling with his own losses. His skepticism eventually turns to belief as he navigates Harriet’s complex world, highlighting the theme of love’s potential triumph over loss.
Morris Martin (Austin Crute)
Morris serves as a loyal friend to Harriet, encouraging her to step beyond her memories and embrace new possibilities. His role in the narrative offers both comic relief and emotional support, representing the friendships that help individuals heal. Morris’s insights prompt Harriet to consider the potential of forging a new path.
Uncover the settings of The Greatest Hits (2024), 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 timeline of the movie oscillates between Harriet's present struggles and her temporal excursions into moments shared with Max. This creates a dichotomy of past nostalgia and present loss, reflective of the emotional complexities surrounding grief and love. The characters' journey signifies a reckoning with time, exploring the depths of memory and its impact on their lives.
Location
Concert venue, Antique business, Support group location
The movie features various places such as a lively concert venue where cherished memories are created, an antique business where David grapples with his losses, and a support group location that helps individuals process their grief. Each setting plays a pivotal role in shaping Harriet's journey towards emotional recovery, serving as a backdrop for her interactions and reflections.
Explore the core themes of The Greatest Hits (2024). 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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Grief
The film delves deep into the theme of grief as Harriet grapples with the loss of her boyfriend, Max. Her unique affliction amplifies her sorrow, causing her to relive painful memories triggered by music. This exploration of grief illustrates the emotional turmoil faced by those left behind and the struggle to move forward while clinging to the past.
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Time Travel
Time travel serves as a central device in the narrative, allowing Harriet to confront her past and the choices she made. This theme addresses the allure and consequences of altering time, questioning whether changing the past can truly lead to healing. Harriet’s experiences prompt reflections on fate, love, and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of happiness.
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Love
The theme of love unfolds as Harriet navigates her feelings for both Max and David. The story explores the capacity for love to transcend time and loss, highlighting the complexity of opening one’s heart anew. As Harriet bonds with David, she must confront her lingering affections for Max, showcasing how love can be both a comfort and a source of conflict.
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