The Only Living Boy in New York 2017
Directed by
Marc Webb
Made by
Roadside Attractions
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Only Living Boy in New York (2017). 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.
Thomas Webb, a young college dropout, is navigating the uncertainties of his future while caught in a frustrating crush on his friend Mimi. As he forms an unexpected friendship with his enigmatic neighbor, W.F., he starts to unravel the complex fabric of life. Through his interactions with W.F., Thomas gains insights that challenge his understanding of relationships and adulthood.
One fateful night at a bar, Thomas is taken aback when he sees his father, Ethan, a publisher, sharing an intimate moment with Johanna. Concerned that this interlude may devastate his mentally fragile mother, Judith, he becomes obsessed with digging deeper into Johanna’s connection to his family. When he finally confronts her, he learns that she is an editor working with his father and has seen his photographs at Ethan’s office.
Johanna’s piercing remarks cut to the core of Thomas’s insecurities, suggesting that he is still a naïve boy unaware of life’s intricacies, while also hinting at a mutual attraction. Torn between feelings for both Johanna and Mimi, Thomas eventually confides in W.F. about his burgeoning feelings for Johanna.
At an event hosted by friends, Thomas finds Johanna with another man and reacts harshly, calling her a “hooker.” However, she calmly explains the situation, and in a burst of impulse, he kisses her. As their relationship progresses, Thomas reveals to her his dreams of becoming a writer, yet he is met with critical feedback from Ethan about his writing being merely “serviceable.”
Unbeknownst to Thomas, W.F. is a successful but reclusive writer, and his conversations with Thomas reignite his passion for writing. When Thomas comes across a manuscript titled The Only Living Boy in New York in his apartment, he is shocked to learn about W.F.’s true identity.
As the storytelling takes us to a gathering at Ethan’s workplace, tension escalates when Thomas invites both W.F. and Mimi. Mimi unexpectedly opens up about her feelings, further complicating Thomas’s affections for Johanna. When he attempts to introduce W.F. to Judith, W.F. mysteriously disappears. Later, W.F. warns Johanna to treat Thomas gently during a rooftop encounter, signaling the fragile state of their intertwined lives.
The chaos of emotions culminates when Ethan proposes to Johanna, leading Thomas to feel betrayed, especially when Johanna admits her feelings for his father, shattering any illusions he had about their relationship. A confrontation with W.F. reveals intricate secrets about paternity and the power dynamics within Thomas’s family, making him realize the weight of expectations he has been living under.
In the midst of unraveling familial ties, Ethan’s decision to pursue divorce only complicates feelings further as Thomas grapples with his complicated emotions. Through these tribulations, he finds solace in the written word, attempting to express his turmoil creatively.
A year later, an unexpected reunion with Ethan at a bookstore offers a moment of reckoning. As Ethan confesses lingering feelings for Johanna, Thomas is left to reflect on his own journey. The narrative concludes with the poignant reunion of Judith and W.F. during a literary reading, their story finally catching a break. Watching their love story unfold, Thomas is stuck between sadness and acceptance, gaining clarity about himself and his family’s complex narrative, which ultimately fosters a sense of purpose within him.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Only Living Boy in New York (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Thomas's Frustrations
Thomas Webb, a college dropout, finds himself grappling with uncertainty about his future while harboring a crush on his friend Mimi. His life seems to be in disarray, with questions about adulthood and relationships looming over him.
Meeting W.F.
During this tumultuous period, Thomas forms an unexpected friendship with his enigmatic neighbor, W.F. This relationship begins to offer Thomas the insights he desperately needs to navigate the complexities of his life.
Discovery at the Bar
One night at a bar, Thomas is jolted by the sight of his father, Ethan, sharing an intimate moment with Johanna. This revelation leaves him concerned for his mentally fragile mother, Judith, and sparks an obsession to uncover Johanna's true connection to his family.
Confronting Johanna
When Thomas confronts Johanna, he learns that she is an editor working with his father and has come across his photographs. In this moment, Johanna's candid remarks challenge Thomas's perception of himself and hint at a mutual attraction that complicates his feelings.
Emotional Turmoil
Caught between his feelings for both Johanna and Mimi, Thomas confides in W.F. about his growing affection for Johanna. This shared vulnerability deepens his understanding of complex relationships and the idea of love.
Harsh Confrontation
At a gathering hosted by friends, Thomas sees Johanna with another man and reacts harshly by calling her a 'hooker.' However, Johanna's calm explanation leads to an impulsive kiss, marking a crucial moment in their developing relationship.
Writing Aspirations
As Thomas shares his dreams of becoming a writer with Johanna, he receives constructive criticism from Ethan, who dismisses his writing as merely 'serviceable.' This feedback shakes Thomas's confidence at a pivotal point in his artistic journey.
W.F.’s True Identity
In a surprising turn of events, Thomas discovers that W.F., his neighbor, is a successful but reclusive writer. Finding a manuscript of W.F.'s work in his apartment rekindles Thomas's passion for writing and inspires him to push through his uncertainties.
Gathering at Ethan's Workplace
Tension escalates during a gathering at Ethan's workplace when Thomas invites both W.F. and Mimi. The evening takes a turn when Mimi expresses her feelings, adding another layer of complexity to Thomas's emotional conflicts.
W.F.'s Warning to Johanna
During a rooftop encounter, W.F. warns Johanna to treat Thomas gently, highlighting the fragile nature of their intertwined lives. This warning foreshadows the emotional chaos that is to come as Thomas's feelings continue to evolve.
Ethan's Proposal
The emotional landscape shifts drastically when Ethan proposes to Johanna. This betrayal deeply affects Thomas, especially when Johanna admits her feelings for his father, shattering his illusions about their potential relationship.
Confrontation with W.F.
A confrontation with W.F. reveals deep-seated secrets regarding family dynamics and paternity, causing Thomas to reassess the expectations he has been living under. This discussion forces him to confront the reality of his family relationships.
Ethan's Divorce
As Ethan decides to pursue a divorce, Thomas finds himself engulfed in a whirlwind of complicated emotions. This decision further complicates his understanding of familial ties and personal identity.
Finding Solace in Writing
Amidst the emotional chaos, Thomas seeks refuge in writing, attempting to articulate his turmoil creatively. This creative outlet becomes a vital tool for him to find solace and clarity during his turbulent journey.
A Year Later
A year later, Thomas unexpectedly reunites with Ethan at a bookstore, prompting reflection on his own growth and changes. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of how far he has come in understanding himself and navigating his complex family dynamics.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Only Living Boy in New York (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Thomas Webb
Thomas is a young college dropout struggling with his identity, feelings of inadequacy, and complicated relationships. He yearns for connection and understanding, but often finds himself caught in emotional turmoil as he attempts to navigate love and familial expectations.
Johanna
Johanna is portrayed as a confident and intriguing character who challenges Thomas's perceptions of love and maturity. Her complexity is deepened through her relationship with Thomas and her connection to his father, highlighting themes of desire and the harsh realities of adult relationships.
W.F.
W.F. serves as a mentor figure to Thomas, possessing a depth of wisdom from his own experiences as a successful writer. His enigmatic presence and encouragement spark a creative awakening in Thomas, helping him to confront his insecurities and explore his passion for writing.
Ethan
Ethan is Thomas's father, whose actions embody betrayal and familial struggle. His complicated relationship with Johanna creates emotional upheaval for Thomas, forcing him to confront painful realities about love and loyalty within a family context.
Mimi
Mimi is Thomas's friend and romantic interest, representing the innocence of youthful love. Her character adds complexity to Thomas's emotional journey as he navigates his feelings for both her and Johanna, highlighting the difficulties of young adult relationships.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Only Living Boy in New York (2017), 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 movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the struggles and complexities of modern relationships. The narrative mirrors current societal issues regarding familial bonds, personal aspirations, and emotional growth.
Location
New York
New York is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, cultural diversity, and rich artistic heritage. As a hub for literature and the arts, it serves as a backdrop for many personal stories of ambition, love, and self-discovery.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Only Living Boy in New York (2017). 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 and Betrayal
The theme of love and betrayal is central to the story as Thomas navigates his feelings for both Johanna and Mimi, while dealing with the betrayal from his father. This complexity in relationships highlights the emotional turmoil and challenges of adolescence transitioning into adulthood.
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Self-Discovery
Thomas's journey is one of self-discovery as he grapples with his identity and ambitions in the shadow of his father's expectations. Through his interactions with W.F. and his experiences of love, he gradually begins to understand his own desires and aspirations.
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Art and Expression
The film illustrates the power of art and written expression as Thomas turns to writing to cope with his feelings and experiences. The creative process becomes a form of solace for him, offering a way to articulate his complex emotions amidst familial chaos.
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