This Is Where I Leave You

This Is Where I Leave You 2014

Directed by

Shawn Levy

Shawn Levy

Test your knowledge of This Is Where I Leave You with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of This Is Where I Leave You (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.


Judd Altman, portrayed by Jason Bateman, discovers that his wife Quinn, played by Abigail Spencer, has been involved in an affair with his boss Wade, brought to life by Dax Shepard, for an entire year. After moving out, he gets a call from his sister Wendy, played by Tina Fey, who informs him that their father Mort has passed away. The Altman family gathers at their mother’s home for the funeral, where tensions and unresolved feelings bubble to the surface.

During this time, Wendy reconnects with her ex-boyfriend Horry Callen, played by Timothy Olyphant, who suffers from the effects of a brain injury. Meanwhile, Judd meets up with his older brother Paul, depicted by Corey Stoll, and Paul’s wife Annie, played by Kathryn Hahn, who happens to be Judd’s former girlfriend. The youngest brother, Phillip, portrayed by Adam Driver, arrives late with his new, significantly older girlfriend Tracy, played by Connie Britton.

The matriarch, Hilary, brought to life by Jane Fonda, informs her children that despite being an atheist, Mort wished for them to observe shiva, with their childhood friend Rabbi Charles “Boner” Grodner officiating. Unbeknownst to the rest of the family, Wendy is the only one aware of Judd’s marital crisis. Judd also rekindles a connection with Penny Moore, portrayed by Rose Byrne, who had a crush on him during their high school days.

As the family grapples with grief and dysfunction, an intoxicated Wendy urges Judd to confront Quinn’s betrayal. Phillip expresses his frustrations about being perceived as the family misfit while flirting indiscriminately. In a moment of vulnerability, Judd admits to everyone that Quinn has been unfaithful and that he’s contemplating a divorce. Just as they are processing this revelation, Quinn shocks Judd by announcing that she is pregnant. When Phillip learns about the pregnancy, he inadvertently spills the news to the rest of the family.

Following his night with Penny, Judd finds himself navigating a complex web of emotions as Wendy seeks closure with Horry. As the tension mounts, the brothers sneak out of temple to indulge in some hidden marijuana discovered in their father’s suit. In a complicated turn of events, Annie attempts to seduce Judd, believing that he may help fulfill her desire for a child, but he turns her down. This rollercoaster of emotions culminates in Wendy sleeping with Horry, reigniting old feelings.

Quinn ultimately calls Judd in distress, fearing a miscarriage, compelling him to rush to the hospital, where Wade also makes an appearance. Amidst the chaos, the baby girl is born, leading to a fight between Judd and Wade in the hospital waiting room. Wendy retaliates by punching Wade, and a group of young bystanders, witnessing the confrontation, help Judd vandalize Wade’s car. Wade, overwhelmed and unsure of how to step into fatherhood, ultimately leaves Quinn.

The next day, Tracy parts ways with Phillip, leading to further dynamics within the family. Judd makes efforts to reach out to Penny, but is met with resistance. Annie expresses her frustrations to Judd, who gently reminds her of the love and family they already have, only for Paul to misinterpret their closeness and attack Judd in a fit of jealousy. In a surprising twist, Hilary confronts the family by kissing Linda passionately, announcing their romantic relationship and revealing that Mort had encouraged their union, using shiva as an opportunity for the family to reconnect.

As the story unfolds, Judd’s emotional turmoil leads him to an electric shock incident while fixing the fusebox, triggering memories of his father. This moment catalyzes his grief process, allowing him to finally mourn Mort’s absence. Judd expresses his sincerest apologies to Penny, realizing they share profound feelings for one another, culminating in a passionate kiss that solidifies their bond.

Wendy ends her connection with Horry yet again, moving forward with her children, while Judd and his brothers reconcile their differences. Paul generously offers Phillip a job in their late father’s sporting goods store, signaling a new beginning for the siblings. Quietly, Judd steals Phillip’s Porsche and embarks on a road trip to Maine, fulfilling a long-held dream of escape.

Timeline

Track the key events of This Is Where I Leave You (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Judd Discovers the Affair

Judd Altman finds out that his wife Quinn has been having an affair with his boss, Wade, for the past year. This revelation shakes him to his core, leading him to move out of their home and question everything he thought he knew about their marriage.

Father's Death Notification

After moving out, Judd receives a call from his sister Wendy, who informs him of their father Mort's passing. This news brings the family together to mourn their loss, despite the unresolved tensions that exist among them.

The Family Gathers for the Funeral

The Altman family meets at their mother’s home for Mort's funeral. Old grievances resurface, creating an atmosphere charged with discomfort and unspoken words, revealing the family's complex dynamics.

Altman Family Home

Wendy Reconnects with Horry

During the family gathering, Wendy reconnects with her ex-boyfriend Horry, who is trying to recover from a brain injury. Their interaction stirs feelings from the past, adding another layer to the unfolding drama.

Sibling Dynamics

Judd catches up with his older brother Paul and Paul's wife Annie, who happens to be Judd's former girlfriend. This encounter is filled with awkwardness, showcasing the complexities of familial relationships and past romantic entanglements.

Unexpected Arrival of Phillip

The youngest brother, Phillip, arrives late with his much older girlfriend, Tracy. His entrance creates an immediate stir, exemplifying the family’s diverse dynamics and his role as the rebellious sibling.

Hilary Introduces Shiva

Their mother Hilary informs the family that Mort wished for them to observe shiva despite her being an atheist. This moment emphasizes the family's attempt to honor their father's last wishes and the traditions of their upbringing.

Altman Family Home

Judd Admits His Troubles

Under pressure from a drunken Wendy, Judd admits his distress about Quinn's infidelity and potential divorce. This moment of vulnerability brings the family closer, albeit amidst underlying tensions.

Quinn's Shocking News

Quinn unexpectedly announces to Judd that she is pregnant, throwing his life into further chaos. This revelation sends shockwaves through the family, complicating already strained relationships even more.

Hospital Emergency

After Quinn calls Judd, fearing a miscarriage, he rushes to the hospital. There, he encounters Wade, leading to a significant confrontation triggered by the emotional turmoil regarding their shared relationship with Quinn.

Hospital

Confrontation in the Waiting Room

In the hospital waiting room, a heated argument breaks out between Judd and Wade. This altercation symbolizes the culmination of Judd's frustrations and feelings of betrayal as tensions reach a boiling point.

Hospital

Wendy's Aggression

In a moment of impulsivity, Wendy retaliates against Wade by punching him, showcasing her protective instincts towards Judd and adding to the chaos of the family dynamics. This incident draws attention from bystanders and escalates the conflict.

Hospital

Hilary's Revelation

In a surprising climax, Hilary kisses Linda, revealing her romantic relationship with her. This revelation surprises the family and emphasizes the theme of unexpected connections amidst grief.

Altman Family Home

Judd's Moment of Realization

An incident involving an electric shock while fixing the fusebox triggers memories of Judd’s father and allows him to process his grief. This moment is pivotal in helping Judd confront his emotions and gain closure regarding Mort's death.

Altman Family Home

New Beginnings

As the family begins to reconcile, Judd finds himself stealing Phillip's Porsche and embarking on a spontaneous road trip to Maine. This act symbolizes his desire for freedom and a fresh start after the tumultuous events.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring This Is Where I Leave You (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Judd Altman

Judd is a man grappling with profound heartbreak after discovering his wife's affair. He experiences deep emotional turmoil as he navigates family dynamics during their father's funeral. Despite his pain, he shows resilience and a desire for personal growth.

👨‍👦 Family 💔 Heartbreak 🙇‍♂️ Self-Discovery

Wendy Altman

Wendy acts as a stabilizing force in the chaos, revealing her own vulnerabilities and past relationships. She navigates her connection with Horry while supporting her brothers through the emotional upheaval, demonstrating strength and adaptability.

👩‍👦 Family 💪 Strength ❤️ Relationships

Phillip Altman

The youngest Altman sibling, Phillip struggles with his identity and place within the family. His rebellious nature and flirtations highlight his insecurities but also demonstrate his search for acceptance and belonging.

🤔 Self-Identity ⚡ Rebellion ❤️ Flirtation

Paul Altman

Paul emerges as a protective older brother but is also deeply flawed, grappling with jealousy and his own aspirations. He offers his support to Phillip while facing his own inner conflict regarding family ties and personal expectations.

👨‍👦‍👦 Support 😒 Jealousy 🌱 Growth

Hilary Altman

Hilary serves as the matriarch, trying to hold the family together while revealing her own complexities. Her announcement about her relationship showcases her authenticity and willingness to embrace love despite grief.

👩‍👧‍👦 Matriarch 💞 Love ⭐ Authenticity

Setting

Uncover the settings of This Is Where I Leave You (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

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern family dynamics and issues. Themes of infidelity, grief, and reconciliation resonate within the context of current societal norms and family expectations.

Location

Altman family home, temple

The Altman family home serves as the central gathering place during their father's funeral. It is a space filled with memories and emotional weight, where family dynamics play out amidst grief. The temple represents a place of spiritual reflection, where they observe shiva, balancing tradition with their complex family relationships.

🏠 Home ⛪ Temple

Themes

Explore the core themes of This Is Where I Leave You (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


💔

Heartbreak

The theme of heartbreak runs throughout the story, particularly in Judd's experience with his wife's infidelity. As the family grapples with loss and betrayal, each character faces their own emotional hurdles, reflecting the complexity of relationships in times of grief.

🤝

Family Dysfunction

Family dysfunction is central to the narrative as each Altman sibling deals with their own struggles. The movie highlights the conflicts and unresolved tensions that arise during stressful family gatherings, illustrating how grief can both divide and unite family members.

🚶‍♂️

Self-Discovery

Throughout the turmoil, characters embark on personal journeys of self-discovery. Judd, in particular, learns to confront his emotions and rediscover connections with his past, leading to growth and healing amidst the chaos and familial obligations.

© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.