What Comes Around 2023
Directed by
Amy Redford
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of What Comes Around (2023). 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.
Anna finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship with a boy named Eric that she first met online. Engaging in discussions about the poetry of Emily Dickinson, Anna confides in her friend, Brit, about Eric, revealing that he is older than her. On the eve of Anna’s 17th birthday, she is surprised when Eric surprises her with a visit, gifting her a beautifully curated collection of Emily Dickinson’s poems along with a note that strikes a chord with her. Hand in hand, they stroll through the park, where Eric eventually discloses that he is actually 28, leading Anna to feel a mix of thrill and apprehension.
As the day progresses, Anna wakes up to find Eric beside her, only to realize that her friends are waiting to take her out for her birthday celebration. With no easy way for Eric to slip past her mother, Beth, and her mother’s fiancé, Tim, Anna makes him stay behind, leading to his eventual departure while she is out. When Anna returns home, Eric is nowhere to be found, and her anxiety builds as he does not reply to her texts.
In conversations with Brit, Anna is warned to tread carefully, yet, her connection with Eric deepens as they continue to text frequently. Things take a turn when Beth questions her about Eric’s age, quickly revealing her concern upon discovering that Anna has become sexually active. After finally introducing Eric to her family, Beth’s reaction is anything but warm, prompting a confrontation where underlying tensions mount—especially once Beth realizes Eric’s true identity, which is, in fact, Jesse.
Their history runs deeper than Anna could have imagined, as it is revealed that Jesse was once a student of Beth’s, and a troubling web of past emotions and misunderstandings comes to light. As Jesse’s presence grows increasingly unsettling, Beth’s desperation for Anna to stay safe escalates, leading to fierce confrontations. The tension sharpens when Beth learns that Jesse, under the guise of love, has been threatening not just her, but her entire family.
In a climactic moment, with their lives teetering on the edge, Jesse sneaks into Beth’s home, reigniting old memories that bubble to the surface. In the heat of a dramatic confrontation, Beth is forced to confront her past while Anna grapples with the truth about her relationship. As Anna prepares to leave with Jesse, a critical revelation breaks through the chaos—Beth and Jesse’s relationship was far more complicated, including confessions of love intertwined with regret.
As the evening of her engagement party unfolds, Anna and Beth reach a pivotal moment of resolution. With emotions running high and the threat of Jesse still looming, both women are left to navigate the aftermath of their shocking revelations. Anna reflects on their tumultuous journey, telling Beth candidly that the only thing she saved her from was possibly a future behind bars. The night culminates in a powerful statement of resilience as Anna steps out of the car, urging Beth to embrace the celebration that is her own.
This new summary retains all the essential plot elements while expanding on character motivations and thematic depth, providing a captivating overview for readers.
Timeline
Track the key events of What Comes Around (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Anna Meets Eric Online
Anna first encounters Eric during an online interaction where they delve into the poetry of Emily Dickinson. This exchange marks the beginning of an intriguing, yet complicated relationship that will shape Anna's journey.
The Gift on Anna's Birthday Eve
On the eve of her 17th birthday, Anna is surprised by a visit from Eric, who presents her with a curated collection of Emily Dickinson's poems. Along with the gift comes a heartfelt note that resonates deeply with Anna, setting an emotional tone for their relationship.
Strolling in the Park
Hand in hand, Anna and Eric take a stroll through the park where Eric reveals his true age of 28. This shocking disclosure brings a mix of excitement and apprehension for Anna, as she grapples with the implications of this age gap.
Anna's Birthday Celebration
Anna wakes up to find Eric beside her, but her friends are waiting to take her out for her birthday celebration. Unable to let Eric meet her mother, she asks him to stay behind, not knowing this would lead to his departure while she is out.
Anxiety Grows
After celebrating her birthday, Anna returns home to find that Eric is missing. Her growing anxiety intensifies when her texts to him go unanswered, leading to feelings of confusion and concern.
Conversations with Brit
In discussions with her friend Brit, Anna is cautioned to be careful about her relationship with Eric. Despite the warning, her connection with Eric deepens as they continue to text frequently, highlighting the complexity of their bond.
Beth's Concerns
Anna's mother, Beth, questions her about Eric's age after she discovers Anna is becoming sexually active. This unexpected conversation reveals Beth's deep concerns for Anna's safety and well-being, causing tension in their relationship.
Introduction to the Family
Upon introducing Eric to her family, Anna faces a cold reception from Beth. This encounter escalates into a confrontation, unearthing underlying tensions as Beth uncovers Eric's true identity—Jesse, a former student of hers, adding layers to their history.
Jesse's Threatening Presence
As Jesse's presence becomes increasingly unsettling, Anna's mother, Beth, becomes desperate to protect her daughter at all costs. The escalating tensions culminate in fierce confrontations, underscoring the complexity of their relationships.
Confrontation at Home
In a dramatic turn of events, Jesse sneaks into Beth's home, reigniting painful memories for all involved. This confrontation forces Beth to face her past while Anna is confronted with the truth about her relationship with Jesse.
Critical Revelation
As Anna prepares to leave with Jesse, a vital revelation emerges—Beth and Jesse share a complex history filled with love and regret. This realization forces both women to confront their emotional scars and the impact of their choices.
Engagement Party Tensions
During the evening of her engagement party, Anna and Beth navigate through the emotional fallout of their revelations. With Jesse's threat still looming, the two women attempt to find common ground amidst their shared turmoil.
Final Reflections
As the night comes to a close, Anna reflects on the chaotic journey they've endured together. In a poignant moment, she tells Beth that the only thing she saved her from was potentially a future filled with regret and imprisonment.
Empowerment and Resilience
In a powerful culmination of their experiences, Anna steps out of the car after urging Beth to embrace her celebration. This act symbolizes newfound strength and resilience, marking a turning point in their relationship as they move forward.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring What Comes Around (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Anna
Anna is a 17-year-old navigating the complexities of her first serious relationship, drawn to Eric despite the red flags. Her character embodies the naivety and romanticism of youth, coupled with the struggles of confronting uncomfortable truths. As she faces intense emotional challenges, her journey illustrates her growth from innocence to awareness.
Beth
Beth serves as both a protective mother and a character with a troubled past. Her relationship with Jesse brings forth fears and unresolved issues, adding depth to her character. As a mother, she embodies the struggle to protect her child while confronting her own mistakes and emotional baggage.
Eric/Jesse
Initially presented as the charming older love interest, Eric transforms into Jesse, a character shrouded in deception and complexity. His dual identity reveals layers of manipulation and past connections with Beth, adding a chilling dynamic to the story. He represents both the allure and danger of relationships that seem too good to be true.
Brit
Brit is Anna's close friend, providing a voice of caution amid the unfolding drama. Her concerns stem from a place of loyalty and love, serving as a warning for Anna to be cautious with Eric. Brit's character highlights the importance of friendship and support systems during turbulent times.
Setting
Uncover the settings of What Comes Around (2023), 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 narrative unfolds in contemporary times, where issues of age, consent, and family dynamics are brought to the forefront. This period is marked by complex relationships exacerbated by technology, highlighting the challenges of modern youth navigating emotional and physical intimacy. It reflects a society grappling with its views on love, safety, and the consequences of interpersonal connections.
Location
Park, Home
The park serves as a significant backdrop for Anna and Eric's initial connection, symbolizing innocence and the blossoming of their relationship. It is a place where intimate moments unfold, juxtaposed against the complications that arise from their age difference. The home is a space of familial tensions and revelations, where the dynamics between Anna, her mother, and Jesse culminate in dramatic confrontations.
Themes
Explore the core themes of What Comes Around (2023). 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 film explores the theme of love intertwined with betrayal, particularly through Anna’s complicated relationship with Eric/Jesse. As their relationship develops, underlying secrets and past traumas surface, leading to emotional turmoil for both Anna and her mother. This dynamic sheds light on how love can be both a source of joy and a catalyst for deeper conflict.
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Dangerous Relationships
Dangerous relationships are central to the plot, where the innocence of Anna's feelings becomes clouded by the unsettling truths about Eric’s true identity. The tension builds as she navigates her desires amidst warnings from her friends and the protective instincts of her mother. The film challenges viewers to consider the complexities and potential dangers that can lurk within seemingly genuine connections.
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Mother-Daughter Bonds
The bond between Anna and her mother, Beth, illustrates the complexities of familial relationships, especially during adolescence. As Beth grapples with her protective instincts and past experiences, their relationship is tested by Anna's choices and the revelation of Jesse's intentions. This theme underscores the tension between love, care, and the need for independence in a young woman’s life.
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