🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ned Benson
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 29min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (29k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dude chases after his wife who’s dealing with some stuff, and they both hang out with famous actors who give them questionable advice.
🍿 The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Couple’s Initial Joy
The film opens with Conor and Eleanor on a date in New York City. They are clearly in love, carefree, and spontaneous, culminating in them ‘dining and dashing’ when they realize they can’t afford the bill. This lighthearted scene establishes the initial joy and connection in their relationship.

The Tragedy and Separation
Years later, Conor and Eleanor are married, but their relationship is deeply strained. They are grieving the loss of their son. Eleanor is withdrawn and depressed, leading to a suicide attempt. Following this, she asks Conor to let her disappear and they separate, cutting off all communication.

Connor’s Perspective on the Loss
The film follows Conor’s perspective as he struggles to cope with Eleanor’s absence and the loss of their child. He moves back in with his father and tries to keep his restaurant afloat. He is haunted by memories of Eleanor and desperately seeks to reconnect with her. He grapples with his grief and confusion, trying to understand why Eleanor left.

Attempts to Reconnect
Connor discovers Eleanor is attending classes at NYU and begins to follow her. He attempts to communicate with her, leading to an angry confrontation where she demands he leave her alone. Despite her rejection, Conor continues to yearn for a reconciliation, driven by his love and refusal to let go of their past.

Moving On (Or Not)
As Connor’s restaurant faces financial ruin, he has a one-night stand with Alexis, his bartender. He also seeks advice and understanding from his father. He continues to struggle with his feelings for Eleanor, torn between trying to move on and holding onto the hope of a future together. This internal conflict shapes his actions and decisions throughout the film.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Conor Ludlow (James McAvoy): A bar/restaurant owner struggling to save his marriage after a devastating loss, grappling with grief and trying to reconnect with his estranged wife.
- Eleanor Rigby (Jessica Chastain): A grieving woman who isolates herself from her husband after a tragedy, seeking solace and a new identity while battling her inner demons.
- Stuart (Bill Hader): Conor’s supportive best friend and business partner, providing humor and grounded advice amidst the turmoil.
- Professor Lillian Friedman (Viola Davis): A college professor who offers Eleanor guidance and perspective as she navigates her emotional struggles.
- Spencer Ludlow (Ciarán Hinds): Conor’s father, a successful restauranteur, providing a contrasting example of a life impacted by past relationships and offering Conor a job when his own business fails.
- Alexis (Nina Arianda): A flirty barmaid who works at Conor’s bar and has a brief one night stand with him, representing a moment of weakness and distraction.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Alexis: “You know, it’s funny how a person just by living can damage another person beyond repair.” – Alexis makes an observation about the potential for unintentional harm in relationships and life.
- Conor: “There is only one heart in this body, please have mercy on me.” – During a lighthearted moment early in their relationship, Conor affectionately pleads with Eleanor, showcasing their deep connection.
- Eleanor: “Tragedy is a foreign country, we don’t know how to talk to the natives” – Eleanor’s father expresses this quote trying to make Conor to understand what his daughter is going through after what happened to their child
💰Box Office
- Budget: $4 million
- Domestic Gross: $39,226
- Worldwide Gross: $109,144
💥 The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him Reviews
Personal Review
I found ‘Him’ to be a deeply moving experience. The way McAvoy portrays Conor’s struggle to understand Eleanor’s pain is heartbreaking. I especially loved the scenes where he reconnects with his father; they felt so genuine and raw. It really made me think about how grief affects relationships.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain”
- “Viewers interested in dramas about relationships and grief”
- “Those who appreciate introspective and character-driven films”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suicide attempt”
- “Depression”
- “Infidelity”
- “Language”
- “Brief drug use”
- “Grief and loss”
Professional Reviews
- Film Review Daily: “Benson crafts a quality looking picture but fills it with a central heroine that just doesn’t know what she wants. There is her father, her mother, her sister, her professor, and most all her husband right off the top of my head that are all ready and willing to help this character, but the problem is that she just doesn’t want it
- Film Experience: “McAvoy and Chastain have proved themselves to be brilliant actors in their own rights — and, if you can believe it, they’re even more dynamic and captivating together. Their deep understanding of the story paired with their commitment to the roles and intense chemistry makes this story enthralling to watch from beginning to end.
- Film Experience: “McAvoy is reliably great, not quite as good as Chastain in Her, but again he bolsters the material. Here, I don’t see why he’s chasing her so much. Nevertheless, Him is still a very good film for when it does hit the spot, just doesn’t match its counterpart.
Audience Reactions
The raw emotion portrayed by the actors made the story incredibly believable.: Viewers generally praised the powerful performances, particularly those of McAvoy and Chastain, and the film’s sensitive handling of grief.
Overall Consensus: A poignant exploration of grief and its impact on a marriage, driven by strong performances and a unique narrative structure.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was initially conceived as two separate films, ‘Him’ and ‘Her,’ showcasing the different perspectives of the same relationship. Later, a combined version, ‘Them,’ was released.”
- “Jessica Chastain dropped out of ‘Iron Man 3’ to work on this film, demonstrating her commitment to the project and the complexity of the character.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him?
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him is available for streaming or purchase on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to confirm before purchasing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him, you might like these similar films:
- Marriage Story (2019): Both films explore the painful complexities of a dissolving marriage and the emotional toll on the individuals involved.
- Blue Valentine (2010): Presents a raw and realistic portrayal of a relationship’s rise and fall, similar to the bifurcated narrative of ‘Eleanor Rigby’.
- Rabbit Hole (2010): Deals with the aftermath of a devastating loss and how a couple copes with grief, mirroring the core theme of the ‘Eleanor Rigby’ films.
🛒 The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him Related Products
- The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them [Blu-ray]: Own the combined version of ‘Him’ and ‘Her’ on Blu-ray. A collector’s item for fans of this unique cinematic experience.
- The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her [Digital Download]: Get Eleanor’s perspective with a digital download of ‘Her.’ Watch the story from both sides for a complete understanding.
- The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Double Feature: Experience both the Him and Her versions together in this double feature.
- Official Movie Poster – The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: A high-quality print of the movie poster, perfect for decorating your home theater or office. Show your appreciation for this emotional drama.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
It’s a drama told from the male perspective, focusing on Conor’s struggle to understand and cope with his wife Eleanor’s departure following a personal tragedy. It explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of relationships.
Yes, it deals with heavy themes like grief, loss, and marital breakdown, making it emotionally challenging for some viewers. Be prepared for a somber and introspective experience.
While there’s no strict order, watching ‘Him’ first provides Conor’s perspective and sets the stage for understanding Eleanor’s actions in ‘Her’. Some viewers prefer this approach, but it’s a matter of personal preference.
The ending is ambiguous and open to interpretation. It suggests either a potential reconciliation between Conor and Eleanor or simply Eleanor’s continued presence in his life from afar. It reflects the unresolved nature of their relationship and the lingering impact of their shared experiences.
🔥 Bonus Content
Sad Heartbreaking Movie Scenes Part 20
Ever feel like a movie scene just *gets* you? This compilation features a poignant moment from “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him” alongside other heart-wrenching scenes. Prepare for the feels—it’s a real tearjerker!
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