🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Lee Toland Krieger
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 1h 32min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (91k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A super-controlling trend forecaster dumps her chill artist husband, then regrets it when he unexpectedly gets his life together with someone else, proving that being a ‘trend forecaster’ doesn’t mean you can predict your own life.
🍿 Celeste & Jesse Forever: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Unconventional Divorce
Celeste and Jesse, best friends since high school and now in their early 30s, are navigating a divorce after six years of marriage. Despite the separation, they maintain an unusually close friendship, confusing their mutual friends. Jesse lives in the guest house on Celeste’s property and they continue to share aspects of their daily lives, blurring the lines of their new relationship status.

Jesse’s Unexpected Turn
The dynamic shifts when Jesse reveals that he is expecting a child with Veronica, a woman he had a one-night stand with. This news deeply affects Celeste, forcing her to confront her feelings about Jesse and the future she envisioned. Jesse’s newfound responsibility and commitment begin to transform him, highlighting the maturity Celeste had longed for during their marriage.

Celeste’s Struggle and Self-Discovery
Celeste grapples with her changing emotions and enters the dating scene, encountering a series of unsatisfying relationships. She struggles with her professional life, including managing a difficult pop star client, Riley Banks. Through her interactions with Riley, Celeste begins to reassess her own life choices and priorities, realizing the need to let go and embrace new possibilities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Celeste (Rashida Jones): A successful trend forecaster who initiates a divorce from her best friend but struggles to move on.
- Jesse (Andy Samberg): A laid-back artist who is divorcing Celeste but finds unexpected maturity and fatherhood.
- Scott (Elijah Wood): Celeste’s gay business partner who provides support and occasional comedic relief.
- Riley (Emma Roberts): A pop star client of Celeste’s who unexpectedly bonds with her and offers a different perspective.
- Beth (Ari Graynor): Celeste’s best friend who is engaged and confused by Celeste and Jesse’s dynamic.
- Tucker (Eric Christian Olsen): Beth’s fiancé who provides a contrasting view on relationships compared to Celeste and Jesse.
- Skillz (Will McCormack): Jesse’s friend who encourages him to move on.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Celeste: “Now I know why you fucking cry all the time. This shit’s emotional.” – Celeste says this in a moment of vulnerability when she starts to feel the weight of her separation from Jesse.
- Riley: “Contempt prior to investigation.” – Riley says this to Celeste, calling her out on her judgmental attitude and assumptions about others.
- Celeste: “I sabotaged us because I knew you weren’t going to change.” – Celeste confesses to Jesse about her role in the breakdown of their marriage.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $800,000
- Domestic Gross: $3,094,813
- Worldwide Gross: $3,640,975
💥 Celeste & Jesse Forever Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched this movie because I’m a big Rashida Jones fan, and I was surprised by how much it made me feel! It’s not just a simple rom-com; it’s about dealing with real emotions after a breakup. I especially loved the scene where Celeste realizes Jesse is moving on and how much that messed with her. The part where she’s caught dumpster diving for his trash was hilarious and cringy at the same time. I really felt like I was watching a friend go through a tough time, which made the ending even more satisfying. Definitely worth a watch if you like realistic relationship movies!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie romantic comedies”
- “Viewers interested in realistic relationship dynamics”
- “People who enjoy movies with strong female leads”
- “Audiences who appreciate nuanced character development”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mature themes of divorce and relationships”
- “Some strong language”
- “Drug use (marijuana)”
- “Suggestive content”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A smart and insightful dramedy that allows Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg to showcase their acting chops. The film cleverly explores the complexities of post-divorce friendships with humor and heart. A refreshing and honest portrayal of modern relationships.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While occasionally uneven, ‘Celeste & Jesse Forever’ benefits from the undeniable chemistry between Jones and Samberg. The film provides a realistic and often funny look at the challenges of maintaining a friendship after a breakup.
- Variety: “A charming and relatable take on modern relationships, anchored by strong performances from its leads. Jones’ script is sharp and witty, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of love and loss.
Audience Reactions
Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg have amazing chemistry; their interactions feel natural and genuine.: Viewers appreciate the film’s realistic portrayal of the complexities of love, friendship, and divorce.
The supporting cast adds depth and humor to the story, especially Elijah Wood and Emma Roberts.: Many commend the film for its unique perspective on relationships, avoiding typical romantic comedy tropes.
Overall Consensus: A thoughtful and funny dramedy that explores the challenges of maintaining a friendship after a divorce, with standout performances from Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg.
Awards
- Independent Spirit Awards (Best First Screenplay)- 2013
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Rashida Jones co-wrote the screenplay, wanting to explore the complexities of a breakup rather than a typical ‘meet-cute’ romantic comedy.”
- “The film explores the themes of divorce and maintaining friendship in a realistic and nuanced way, departing from conventional rom-com tropes.”
- “Many of the incidents in the film are based on actual events that happened to Rashida Jones or her close friends.”
🖥️ How to Watch Celeste & Jesse Forever?
Celeste & Jesse Forever is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you might need a subscription to access it. You can also rent or purchase the movie on these services. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Additionally, physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can usually be found at major retailers or online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Celeste & Jesse Forever, you might like these similar films:
- (500) Days of Summer (2009): Both films explore the complexities of relationships and breakups with a non-traditional romantic comedy structure and focus on character development.
- Marriage Story (2019): This movie delves into the emotional and logistical challenges of a difficult divorce, highlighting the perspectives of both partners.
- Frances Ha (2012): Like Celeste, Frances navigates early adulthood, career uncertainty, and changing relationships with a mix of humor and vulnerability.
- High Fidelity (2000): Features a protagonist reflecting on past relationships and trying to understand where things went wrong, similar to Celeste’s journey.
🛒 Celeste & Jesse Forever Related Products
- Celeste & Jesse Forever [Blu-ray]: Own the Blu-ray edition of ‘Celeste & Jesse Forever’ and relive the heartwarming and humorous story. Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and commentary from the cast and crew.
- Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series: Enjoy all seven seasons of the acclaimed comedy series starring Rashida Jones. A must-have for fans of her comedic talent and memorable performances.
- The Lonely Island – Turtleneck & Chain [Explicit]: A hilarious collection of songs from The Lonely Island, featuring Andy Samberg’s comedic rap skills. Perfect for fans who enjoy his unique brand of humor.
- Celeste & Jesse Forever Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your movie memorabilia collection.
🎧 Soundtrack
Celeste & Jesse Forever features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Littlest Things” – performed by Lily Allen
- “Do It On My Face” – performed by Emma Roberts
- “C.R.E.A.M.” – performed by Wu-Tang Clan
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Celeste and Jesse divorced because Celeste felt Jesse lacked ambition and maturity, hindering their future plans. While they loved each other, Celeste couldn’t envision a long-term future with Jesse’s lifestyle. She wanted someone more driven and responsible.
No, Celeste and Jesse do not end up together. Despite a moment of rekindled intimacy near the end, they ultimately decide to finalize their divorce and move on with their separate lives. The film emphasizes the importance of growth and acceptance, even when love is not enough.
The ending symbolizes Celeste’s growth and ability to let go of control. Her decision not to confront someone cutting in line signifies her acceptance of life’s imperfections and her readiness to embrace the future without Jesse. It represents her finally moving on and finding peace within herself.
🔥 Bonus Content
Andy Samberg on Playing a More Serious Role in “Celeste & Jesse Forever”
Ever wondered how Andy Samberg tackled a more serious role? This interview dives into his experience working on ‘Celeste & Jesse Forever’ and how he collaborated with Rashida Jones – it’s super interesting to see him in a different light!
Rashida Jones & Andy Samberg Talk to Krista Smith About “Celeste and Jesse Forever”
Want to hear Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg chat about ‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’? This Vanity Fair interview gives you the inside scoop on the film’s themes, and it’s always fun to see them interact!
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