Away We Go Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of Away We Go.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Away We Go is a Drama, Comedy, Romance film directed by Sam Mendes, written by Dave Eggers. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Krasinski as Burt Farlander.
What Is the Story of Away We Go?
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Verona and Burt have moved to Colorado to be close to Burt's parents but, with Verona expecting their first child, Burt's parents inexplicably decide to move to Belgium, now leaving them in a place they hate and without a support structure in place. They set off on a whirlwind tour of of disparate locations where they have friends or relatives, sampling not only different cities and climates but also different families. Along the way they realize that the journey is less about discovering where they want to live and more about figuring out what type of parents they want to be. The screenplay takes time to develop John Krasinski's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
How Is Away We Go Structured?
- Opening Hook: We meet John Krasinski as Burt Farlander in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Sam Mendes builds this foundation carefully, and over its 98-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. John Krasinski's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings John Krasinski's arc to its natural conclusion. Sam Mendes's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.