“What Happens Later” doesn’t offer a neatly packaged resolution; instead, it presents a stuck-in-the-airport purgatory where ex-lovers face unresolved issues and the enduring power of missed connections. The ending suggests closure not through romantic reconciliation, but through a painful acceptance of their past and a tentative embrace of individual futures shaped by the lessons learned during their forced confinement.
The Heart of the Matter: Beyond the Delayed Flight
The film’s plot revolves around Willa Davis (Meg Ryan) and Bill Davis (David Duchovny), two ex-lovers who find themselves snowed in at a regional airport in New England. Stranded overnight, they’re forced to confront the reasons their relationship fell apart decades earlier. The unnamed airport announcer acts as an almost omniscient, yet cryptic, figure, pushing them to unpack their emotional baggage. The primary question it explores is not will they get back together, but can they finally understand each other and themselves after all this time?
While the trailer might suggest a predictable rom-com trope of rekindled love, “What Happens Later” delves deeper into the complexities of human relationships. It’s about the weight of unspoken words, the lingering effects of past hurt, and the courage (or lack thereof) to be vulnerable. The film utilizes the confined space of the airport as a microcosm of their shared history, forcing them to confront the uncomfortable truths they’ve avoided for years. It’s a character study masquerading as a romantic comedy, prompting viewers to consider the enduring impact of past relationships on their present selves. The ending, while not a definitive happy-ever-after, offers a sense of emotional resolution and the possibility of moving forward.
Unpacking the Airport Announcer’s Role
The character of the airport announcer is central to understanding the movie’s symbolic nature. He’s not merely a voice providing flight updates. He’s a catalyst, a manipulator, and arguably a representation of their subconscious.
More Than Just a Voice: A Symbolic Presence
The announcer seems to know Willa and Bill intimately, referencing their past and prompting them to confront their unresolved issues. He often speaks in riddles and cryptic messages, forcing them to interpret his words and apply them to their own situation. Some interpretations suggest he could be:
- Their Shared Regret: A personification of the unspoken regrets and “what ifs” that have haunted them since their breakup.
- Fate or Destiny: A guiding force pushing them towards a necessary confrontation.
- Their Own Inner Voice: Representing their own subconscious desires and fears.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, the announcer plays a crucial role in driving the narrative forward and forcing Willa and Bill to confront their past.
The Ending: Closure, Not Necessarily a Reunion
The film’s ending is deliberately ambiguous. While there are hints of rekindled affection, it stops short of a full-blown romantic reconciliation. They depart on separate flights, seemingly having reached a point of understanding and acceptance. The key takeaways from the ending are:
- Acceptance of the Past: Willa and Bill have finally acknowledged their mistakes and the pain they inflicted on each other.
- Individual Growth: The forced confrontation allows them to grow as individuals, understanding their own flaws and needs.
- Ambiguous Future: While a romantic reunion isn’t ruled out, the ending suggests they are both ready to move forward, whether together or separately. The focus is on their personal growth rather than a guaranteed romantic outcome.
Ultimately, “What Happens Later” emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and forgiveness, both towards oneself and towards others. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound resolutions don’t involve grand romantic gestures, but rather the quiet understanding that allows us to move on with our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Is “What Happens Later” a sequel to “Sleepless in Seattle”?
No, “What Happens Later” is not a sequel to “Sleepless in Seattle,” despite Meg Ryan starring in both films. It’s a standalone story with a different plot and characters. While both films explore themes of love and destiny, they are not connected in any way. The similarity lies only with Meg Ryan’s presence, triggering some audience expectation, but the storylines are independent.
FAQ 2: What is the significance of the airport setting?
The airport setting acts as a metaphorical holding space, representing the liminal space between the past and the future. Being stuck at the airport forces Willa and Bill to confront their shared history and prevents them from escaping their unresolved issues. The isolation of the location amplifies their emotional vulnerability.
FAQ 3: What caused Willa and Bill’s initial breakup?
The film reveals that their breakup was due to a combination of factors, including poor communication, conflicting life goals, and a lack of willingness to compromise. Willa felt stifled by Bill’s need for stability, while Bill felt abandoned by Willa’s adventurous spirit. The underlying issue was a fundamental incompatibility in their approaches to life.
FAQ 4: Who is the voice of the airport announcer?
While the film doesn’t explicitly reveal the identity of the airport announcer, it is hinted that it could be a manifestation of fate, their subconscious, or even a shared delusion. The ambiguity surrounding the announcer’s identity adds to the film’s mystique and encourages viewer interpretation. Some viewers believe it is even the Director’s voice, never truly specified in physical form.
FAQ 5: Does the movie have a happy ending?
The ending is deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation. While Willa and Bill don’t explicitly rekindle their romance, they achieve a sense of closure and understanding. Whether that constitutes a “happy ending” depends on the viewer’s perspective. It is a happy ending in the sense that they’ve each had critical personal growth.
FAQ 6: What are the main themes explored in “What Happens Later”?
The main themes explored include second chances, unresolved pasts, the complexities of communication, the importance of self-discovery, and the enduring power of first love. The film delves into the psychological effects of past relationships and the challenges of moving on.
FAQ 7: Is “What Happens Later” a romantic comedy?
While the film contains elements of romantic comedy, it also delves into deeper emotional territory. It’s more accurately described as a dramedy with romantic elements, focusing on character development and emotional resolution rather than purely comedic escapades.
FAQ 8: What is the meaning behind the title, “What Happens Later”?
The title is deliberately vague, suggesting the uncertainty of the future and the potential for change. It hints at the possibility of rekindled romance, but also acknowledges the importance of moving forward, regardless of the outcome. It encapsulates the overarching theme of delayed consequences and the impact of past decisions on present circumstances.
FAQ 9: What is the role of coincidence in the film’s plot?
Coincidence plays a significant role in bringing Willa and Bill together at the airport. This element of chance suggests that fate or destiny may be at play, pushing them to confront their past and potentially find closure. However, the film ultimately emphasizes the importance of their own choices and actions in determining their future. The shared coincidence of their flights being cancelled becomes the catalyst for their reunion.
FAQ 10: How does the film use symbolism?
The film utilizes various symbols to enhance its themes, including:
- The Airport: Represents a liminal space and a holding pattern in their lives.
- The Snowstorm: Symbolizes the obstacles and challenges they face.
- The Airport Announcer: Represents fate, their subconscious, or shared regret.
These symbols contribute to the film’s overall meaning and encourage deeper interpretation.
FAQ 11: Is this film based on a book?
“What Happens Later” is loosely based on the play “Shooting Star” by Steven Dietz, not a book. While the core premise of two ex-lovers being stranded together is similar, the film adaptation introduces significant changes and expands upon the characters and their backstories.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message of the movie?
The overall message of “What Happens Later” is that the past can profoundly shape the present, but it doesn’t have to define the future. It encourages viewers to confront their own unresolved issues, forgive themselves and others, and embrace the possibility of growth and change. The core message resides in understanding that resolution doesn’t always equate to romantic reunification, but it does require self-awareness.