🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Chris Evans
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (82K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 28%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A broke street musician spends all night helping a beautiful, stranded woman who might be married, leading to a series of increasingly implausible scenarios and a possible new love connection that might never actually happen.
🍿 Before We Go: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Strangers in Grand Central
Nick Vaughan, a trumpet player, encounters Brooke Dalton at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Brooke is frantically trying to catch the 1:30 AM train to Boston but misses it, also losing her phone in the process. She soon discovers her purse has been stolen, leaving her stranded and desperate to get home before her husband returns.

A Night of Misadventures
Nick, a kind soul, offers to help Brooke. They embark on a series of misadventures across Manhattan, trying to find her stolen purse and secure funds for her journey. Their quest takes them to a shady sweatshop, a wedding reception, and even a psychic’s parlor. Along the way, they share intimate details about their personal lives and relationship struggles.

Confronting the Past, Facing the Future
As the night progresses, Nick confronts his past by visiting his ex-girlfriend, Hannah. He realizes that chapter of his life is truly over. Brooke grapples with her marital issues, having written a letter to her husband revealing her knowledge of his infidelity. However, she now regrets her impulsive decision and desperately wants to retrieve the letter before he reads it.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Nick (Chris Evans): A street musician in New York City, Nick helps a stranded woman while grappling with his own past relationship.
- Brooke (Alice Eve): A married art consultant, Brooke is desperate to return home to Boston to confront her husband and potentially salvage her marriage.
- Hannah (Emma Fitzpatrick): Nick’s ex-girlfriend, Hannah represents his past and a relationship he struggles to let go.
- Harry (John Cullum): A psychic who offers Brooke and Nick guidance and perspective on their futures.
- Danny (Mark Kassen): Nick’s friend who helps him and Brooke out of their predicament.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Nick: “You’re going to need her more than she needs you.” – Nick uses a payphone as a ‘time machine’ to advise his past self about Brooke, highlighting the impact of their chance encounter.
- Harry: “There is no perfect. There will always be struggle. You just need to choose who you wanna struggle with.” – Harry says this to Nick at the wedding, imparting wisdom about relationships and the importance of choosing the right partner.
- Nick: “So, you just sold a painting for a quarter of a million dollars?” – Nick says this in disbelief, and the conversation evolves into more about Brooke’s life
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3 million
- Domestic Gross: $37,151
- Worldwide Gross: $462,875
💥 Before We Go Reviews
Personal Review
I watched this movie on a whim and I found myself enjoying it more than I expected. The connection between Chris Evans and Alice Eve felt genuine, and there were some really tender moments. I especially loved the scene in the hotel room where they’re just talking and writing on the paintings – it felt so real and intimate. It’s not a perfect movie, but it definitely warmed my heart. I’d recommend it if you’re in the mood for something sweet and a little melancholic.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of romance dramas”
- “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
- “Those who enjoy movies set in New York City”
- “People looking for films with ambiguous endings”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Infidelity themes”
- “Mild language”
- “Some mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Evans shows promise as a director, capturing the city’s nocturnal charm, but the script feels underdeveloped, and the dialogue often rings false. Eve’s performance is charming, but the film fails to rise above its derivative premise. Despite the leads’ best efforts, “Before We Go” struggles to find its own voice.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Chris Evans’ directorial debut is a pleasant but ultimately forgettable romantic drama. While the leads share undeniable chemistry and the New York setting is beautifully captured, the story lacks originality and emotional depth. It’s a promising start for Evans behind the camera, but the film needs more substance.
- Variety: “”Before We Go” is a competently made but predictable romantic drama. Evans and Eve deliver solid performances, but the film suffers from a lack of narrative drive and genuine surprises. It’s a well-intentioned effort, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Chris Evans and Alice Eve made the movie believable and engaging.: Viewers appreciated the realistic portrayal of a chance encounter and the characters’ vulnerabilities.
The film’s soundtrack and cinematography captured the magic of New York City at night.: Many viewers enjoyed the movie’s atmospheric and romantic vibe.
Overall Consensus: “Before We Go” is a charming but somewhat predictable romantic drama that benefits from strong performances by its leads. While the story may lack originality, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of chance encounters and personal connections. It’s a good choice for viewers seeking a feel-good movie with a touch of melancholy.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Chris Evans not only starred in and directed ‘Before We Go’, but he also helped produce it, marking a significant step in his career beyond acting.”
- “The film was shot in just 19 days, a remarkably short production schedule for a feature film, requiring efficient planning and execution.”
- “Chris Evans wanted to learn how to play the trumpet and do the playing scenes himself. However, he found it much more difficult to learn and decided to simply learn the accurate fingering for all of the notes he’s supposed to be playing in the film.”
🖥️ How to Watch Before We Go?
Before We Go is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so be sure to check your local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Before We Go, you might like these similar films:
- Before Sunrise (1995): Both films feature two strangers who meet and spend a night together, engaging in deep conversations and forming a connection.
- Lost in Translation (2003): Explores the unexpected connection between two individuals in a foreign city, highlighting themes of loneliness and discovery.
- Once (2007): Features two musicians who connect through their shared love of music and help each other navigate their personal struggles.
- Adventures in Babysitting (1987): Shares a ‘one crazy night’ vibe with characters running around the city trying to resolve one crisis after another.
🛒 Before We Go Related Products
- Chris Evans: From Comic Book Hero to Indie Darling: A digital ebook analyzing Chris Evans’ career, including his directorial debut with “Before We Go,” examining his range as an actor and his creative choices.
- “Before We Go” – Original Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying as a memento of the film.
- Jazz Trumpet Sheet Music Collection: A collection of jazz trumpet sheet music for classic songs, inspired by Nick’s character in the movie. Includes “My Funny Valentine.”
- New York City Nightscape Photography Book: A coffee table book featuring stunning photographs of New York City at night, capturing the atmosphere and beauty seen in the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Before We Go features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Into the Sea” – performed by Aidan Hawken
- “My Funny Valentine” – performed by Instrumental (Performed in the film)
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The ending of Before We Go is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the viewer to interpret the future of Nick and Brooke. The message on the hotel card is never explicitly shown, suggesting a potential for a future encounter or simply a fond memory of their night together.
Before We Go was primarily filmed in New York City, using locations such as Grand Central Terminal, various streets in Manhattan, and a hotel. The film captures the atmosphere of the city at night.
While Before We Go shares similarities with Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise in terms of its plot structure and focus on dialogue between two strangers, it is not a direct remake. Before We Go explores different themes and offers a unique perspective on love and relationships.
🔥 Bonus Content
“You want to get a hotel room?” – Alice Eve and Chris Evans in Before We Go (2014)
Ever wonder how Chris Evans woos someone *without* a shield? Check out this clip from ‘Before We Go’ where he’s trying to charm Alice Eve. It’s a cute scene and really shows their chemistry, I think it’s worth a watch if you’re curious about the movie!
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