Laggies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman pretends to be a teenager to avoid adulthood, ends up falling for her teenage friend’s dad, and discovers herself in the process…because that’s totally normal.

🍿 Laggies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Stuck in Neutral

Megan, nearing 30, finds herself adrift in a sea of settled-down friends and an impending marriage proposal from her high-school sweetheart, Anthony. Working a dead-end job for her father and feeling disconnected from her peers, she experiences a quarter-life crisis that throws her world into disarray. The proposal acts as a catalyst, pushing her to question her life choices and triggering a desire for escape.

An Unlikely Friendship

Seeking refuge from her adult responsibilities, Megan encounters a group of teenagers led by the sharp-witted Annika. Drawn to their carefree lifestyle, Megan finds herself buying them alcohol and unexpectedly forming a bond with Annika. This friendship becomes a lifeline for Megan, offering her a temporary escape from the pressures of adulthood and a chance to relive her youth.

Hiding Out

To prolong her escape, Megan fabricates a story about attending a self-help seminar and moves in with Annika and her single father, Craig. Juggling the roles of a temporary roommate and a confidante to Annika, Megan navigates the complexities of teenage life while developing unexpected feelings for Craig. The situation becomes increasingly complicated as lies and secrets begin to unravel.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Megan (Keira Knightley): A 28-year-old woman experiencing a quarter-life crisis, struggling with adulthood and commitment.
• Annika (Chloë Grace Moretz): A 16-year-old high school student who befriends Megan and provides her with an escape from her adult responsibilities.
• Craig (Sam Rockwell): Annika’s world-weary single father and divorce lawyer who unexpectedly develops a connection with Megan.
• Anthony (Mark Webber): Megan’s long-term boyfriend whose marriage proposal triggers her quarter-life crisis.
• Allison (Ellie Kemper): One of Megan’s best friends whose wedding highlights Megan’s dissatisfaction with her own life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Megan: “You can’t keep putting aside what you want for some imaginary future. You’ve gotta suck it up and go with your gut.” – Megan expresses her philosophy on life, advocating for immediate action and following one’s instincts rather than waiting for a perfect moment.
• Annika: “Are you my new cool mom?” – Annika asks Megan this question when she starts hanging around with Annika and her teenage friends.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,066,981
• Worldwide Gross: $2,379,154

💥 Laggies Reviews

Personal Review

I really loved this movie! It felt so relatable to the feeling of being lost in your late 20s. Keira Knightley was amazing, and Sam Rockwell brought so much charm to his character. The scenes where Megan connects with Annika were really touching. And can I just say, the ending was perfect—sweet and satisfying. Definitely a comfort movie I’ll be watching again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those interested in films exploring quarter-life crises”
  • “Keira Knightley and Sam Rockwell fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Shelton navigates the complexities of quarter-life crises with wit and empathy, showcasing Knightley’s comedic range. The film’s strength lies in its character-driven narrative and the unexpected charm of its leads.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Knightley delivers a captivating performance as a woman struggling with adulthood. While the plot feels somewhat predictable, the film’s genuine humor and heartfelt moments make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
• Variety: “A quirky romantic comedy with a strong cast. Though the film touches on relevant themes of maturity and self-discovery, it occasionally falls into predictable rom-com tropes, limiting its overall impact.

Audience Reactions

Keira Knightley’s performance was spot-on, making the character both relatable and funny.: Viewers loved the film’s exploration of growing up and finding your own path, even if it’s unconventional.

Sam Rockwell’s charming portrayal of the single dad added depth and humor to the story.: The chemistry between the main actors was undeniable, creating a heartwarming and engaging viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: A charming and relatable romantic comedy with strong performances, though some viewers find the plot somewhat predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Anne Hathaway was originally cast in the lead role but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Keira Knightley’s casting.”
• “The film was originally titled ‘Laggies’ in the United States before being retitled ‘Say When’ for the UK release.”
• “Director Lynn Shelton is known for her improvisational style, often allowing actors to explore their characters and dialogue within a scene.”

🖥️ How to Watch Laggies?

As of October 2024, ‘Say When’ (also known as ‘Laggies’) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability, as licensing agreements can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Laggies, you might like these similar films:

• Young Adult (2011): Both films feature a woman struggling with adulthood and identity, clinging to aspects of her youth.
• Frances Ha (2012): Explores similar themes of a young woman navigating her late twenties, feeling lost and unsure of her path in life.
• Juno (2007): Deals with unexpected life changes and choices, featuring a teenager who makes unconventional decisions with humor and heart.

🛒 Laggies Related Products

• Say When [Blu-ray]: Own the movie in high definition with special features. The Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast.
• Knitting Pattern Book: 20 something style: Create unique, stylish projects. Beginners can make a beautiful shawl to get into knitting and improve dexterity.
• A24 Screenplays: Five Screenplays: Delve into the screenplay of Laggies plus four other critically acclaimed films. Offers a deeper understanding of the film’s narrative structure and character development.
• Funko Pop! Keira Knightley as Megan (Hypothetical): A collectible figurine depicting Keira Knightley’s character, Megan. This hypothetical Funko Pop would capture Megan’s unique style and personality from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Laggies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Such Great Heights” – performed by The Postal Service
• “Plans” – performed by Death Cab for Cutie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Laggies (2014) Deleted Scenes

Ever wonder what didn’t make the final cut? These deleted scenes from Laggies are hilarious and give you even more insight into the characters—I honestly think some of these should have stayed in the movie!

Laggies Featurette – 20 Questions: Teenage Dirtbags (2014) – Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell Comedy HD

Want to see Keira Knightley and Sam Rockwell answer rapid-fire questions about their characters? This featurette is super fun and gives you a cool peek behind the curtain—I was surprised by some of their answers!

✨ Rate