Meg Ryan is back in the spotlight with the much-awaited “What Happens Later,” marking her joyful return to romantic comedy brilliance. This film is a special comeback for the beloved actress, famous for her roles in romantic comedies from the past.
In “What Happens Later,” Meg Ryan brings her unique charm and humor to the story, creating a delightful experience for viewers. The film is a mix of laughter, romance, and Meg Ryan’s classic style, giving audiences a blend of the familiar and the new.
The story revolves around love, second chances, and self-discovery, providing a perfect stage for Meg Ryan to showcase her talents. As she navigates the romantic journey in the movie, Ryan’s performance is a reminder of why she has been a favorite in the world of romantic comedies.
For those who have missed Meg Ryan’s magic in romantic films, “What Happens Later” is a wonderful chance to enjoy her brilliance once again in a genre she has always excelled in.
“What Happens Later” Review: Meg Ryan’s Return to Rom-Com Brilliance. Meg Ryan makes a triumphant return to her beloved romantic comedy genre in “What Happens Later,” now playing in theaters. The film not only harkens back to her iconic ’90s rom-coms but also provides a fresh take on the genre for a more mature audience.
What Happens Later Synopsis
In this heartwarming tale, we meet Willa, portrayed by Meg Ryan, and Bill, played by David Duchovny, who find themselves stranded at an airport due to a snowstorm. What makes this encounter unique is that they haven’t seen each other in 25 years, since their break-up. As the snowstorm unfolds, they have a chance to catch up and revisit their past.
Notably, Meg Ryan takes on the roles of both actress and director in the film, with a screenplay co-written by Steven Dietz and Kirk Lynn, based on Dietz’s play “Shooting Star.” One of the most impressive aspects of the film is its ability to captivate its audience, even though the majority of the story unfolds in a single location – the airport.
Ryan masterfully guides Willa and Bill through airport gates, lounges, and bars. While the exterior shots of planes and runways may lack realism, they take a back seat to the core of the story, which is the evolving connection between Willa and Bill.
Exploring Relationship Dynamics
Willa and Bill engage in nostalgic conversations, reminiscing about their old arguments and relationships. However, the film doesn’t dwell solely on the past but also delves into the complexities of adult relationships. Bill is now married with a daughter, while Willa remains single, creating a tension that defies their initial expectations of each other. The layers of their characters gradually unfold as the layover continues, revealing more about their lives.
“What Happens Later” doesn’t shy away from modern relationship concepts, such as open relationships, and gracefully transitions to more traditional, monogamous norms. This progressive approach to a mainstream romantic comedy is refreshing and indicative of the genre’s evolution.
The film keeps viewers engaged as they witness these two characters reconnect, sharing stories about their families, careers, and life experiences. While the film explores their individual journeys, it’s easy to follow and connect with their evolving relationship.
Meg Ryan’s Comeback
Meg Ryan revisits her beloved ’90s rom-com persona with airport games, playful antics, and the occasional indulgence in drinking and smoking. Her portrayal in this R-rated film allows her to use expletives, including endearing F-bombs, which adds authenticity to her character. However, what sets Willa apart from Ryan’s previous rom-com roles is her deeper understanding of family, the absence of children in her life, and the wisdom that comes with a life well-lived.
Bill, portrayed by David Duchovny, embodies the quintessential rom-com archetype of the buttoned-down, straight-laced individual who crosses paths with a free spirit. What sets “What Happens Later” apart is its exploration of a character who chose not to change his life for the woman he loved. This unique perspective adds depth to the film and challenges traditional romantic comedy tropes.
Subtle Magic Amid Reality
A touch of magic is introduced at the airport through a PA speaker that seems to address Willa and Bill directly. This hint of enchantment suggests that perhaps Cupid exists in the real world. However, the magical element never overwhelms the genuine, relatable relationship story at the film’s core. Meg Ryan pays homage to the late Nora Ephron, a legendary writer known for classics like “When Harry Met Sally…” and the writer/director of “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” It’s evident that Ephron’s influence is deeply felt in “What Happens Later.”
Fred Topel, a seasoned entertainment writer based in Los Angeles, draws from his extensive experience as a film critic to provide this insightful review. His passion for cinema dates back to his time at Ithaca College, where he pursued film studies. Topel has been a respected Rotten Tomatoes critic since 2001, a member of the Television Critics Association since 2012, and the Critics Choice Association since 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Who stars in “What Happens Later,” and what is the film’s premise?
A1: “What Happens Later” stars Meg Ryan as Willa and David Duchovny as Bill. The film centers around their chance encounter at an airport during a snowstorm, 25 years after their break-up. They engage in heartfelt conversations and rediscover their past while addressing their current life situations.
Q2: Who directed “What Happens Later,” and who co-wrote the screenplay?
A2: Meg Ryan not only stars in the film but also takes on the role of director. The screenplay is co-written by Steven Dietz and Kirk Lynn, based on Dietz’s play “Shooting Star.”
Q3: How does “What Happens Later” maintain engagement despite its primarily single-location setting?
A3: The film’s exceptional direction and character development keep viewers captivated as Willa and Bill navigate various airport locations. While the exterior shots may lack realism, the focus remains on the evolving relationship between the two protagonists.
Q4: What distinguishes “What Happens Later” from traditional rom-coms?
A4: The film breaks away from convention by exploring modern relationship concepts, such as open relationships, and then shifting to more traditional monogamous norms. Additionally, it challenges typical rom-com tropes by portraying a character who chooses not to change his life for love.
Q5: Is there a touch of magic in the film, and how does it affect the story?
A5: A hint of magic is introduced through a PA speaker at the airport, suggesting the presence of Cupid in the real world. However, this magical element remains subtle and never distracts from the authentic, relatable relationship at the film’s core.
Q6: Why does the review mention Nora Ephron?
A6: Meg Ryan dedicates the movie to Nora Ephron, a renowned writer known for her contributions to classic romantic comedies like “When Harry Met Sally…” and her work as the writer/director of “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” The influence of Ephron’s romantic comedy legacy is evident in “What Happens Later.”
Q7: Who is Fred Topel, and what is his background in film critique?
A7: Fred Topel is an experienced entertainment writer based in Los Angeles. He began his professional film critic career in 1999 and has been a Rotten Tomatoes critic since 2001. He is also a member of the Television Critics Association since 2012 and the Critics Choice Association since 2023. His passion for film dates back to his time at Ithaca College, where he studied film.