Never Rarely Sometimes Always Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young woman and her cousin go on a road trip to New York City for a ‘spa day’ that involves lots of awkward subway rides and a very uncomfortable interview.

🍿 Never Rarely Sometimes Always: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovering the Pregnancy

Autumn, a teenager in rural Pennsylvania, discovers she is pregnant. Facing limited options and a restrictive legal environment, she seeks help but finds herself in a difficult situation. The film opens with Autumn performing at a talent show, hinting at her hidden burdens and the limited opportunities available to her.

The Journey to New York City

With the support of her cousin Skylar, Autumn makes the difficult decision to travel to New York City, where she can obtain an abortion without parental consent. The two girls pool their resources, stealing money from work, and embark on a journey fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Their trip highlights the obstacles many young women face when seeking reproductive healthcare.

Navigating the City and the Clinic

In New York, Autumn and Skylar navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and the emotional toll of their situation. They encounter both supportive and predatory figures, highlighting the vulnerability of young women in unfamiliar environments. A pivotal scene takes place at Planned Parenthood, where Autumn answers a series of questions that reveal the depth of her struggles.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Autumn (Sidney Flanigan): A pregnant 17-year-old from Pennsylvania who travels to New York City seeking an abortion.
• Skylar (Talia Ryder): Autumn’s supportive cousin and best friend who accompanies her on the trip to New York City.
• Jasper (Théodore Pellerin): A young man the girls meet on the bus, whose intentions and interactions add complexity to their journey.
• Mother (Sharon Van Etten): Autumn’s mother is a seemingly supportive but distant figure in Autumn’s life.
• Ted (Ryan Eggold): Autumn’s stepfather, who embodies some of the casual disregard the girls face.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Skylar: “Don’t you ever just wish you were a dude?” – Skylar expresses a common sentiment about the easier experiences that males often have.
• Autumn: “All the time.” – Autumn’s response emphasizes the constant challenges she faces as a young woman.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3 million
• Domestic Gross: $16,565
• Worldwide Gross: $299,588

💥 Never Rarely Sometimes Always Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. I wasn’t expecting to feel so much. The scene with the questionnaire? Gut-wrenching. I felt like I was right there with Autumn, experiencing everything she was. Sidney Flanigan is incredible. And the bond between her and Skylar? So real. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s an important one. I’m still thinking about it days later.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in social issues”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “Audiences who enjoy realistic and thought-provoking stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of teen pregnancy, abortion, and sexual harassment”
  • “May contain scenes that are emotionally distressing”
  • “Not suitable for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Eliza Hittman delivers a quietly devastating film about female adolescence and the complex realities of reproductive healthcare. Sidney Flanigan’s performance is a revelation, conveying a world of emotions with minimal dialogue. The film’s raw authenticity lingers long after the credits roll.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A sensitive and powerful exploration of female friendship and the challenges faced by young women seeking abortion access. Hittman’s understated direction allows the characters’ experiences to resonate deeply. The film’s realism and emotional honesty make it a must-see.
• The Guardian: “This is a film of devastating emotional power and precision. Flanigan and Ryder deliver exceptional performances, capturing the quiet strength and vulnerability of their characters. Hittman’s direction is both compassionate and unflinching, making for a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The raw and authentic performances by the lead actresses.: The movie is praised for its realistic portrayal of female adolescence and the challenges of seeking reproductive healthcare.

The powerful and emotional scene where Autumn answers the questionnaire.: Many viewers found the film to be thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, prompting discussions about empathy and understanding.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed and emotionally powerful film that explores the complexities of female adolescence and reproductive healthcare with raw authenticity and sensitivity.

Awards

1. Berlin International Film Festival (Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize)- 2020
2. National Board of Review (Top Independent Films)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sidney Flanigan, who played Autumn, had no prior acting experience before being cast in the lead role.”
• “The film’s title is derived from a specific scene where Autumn answers a questionnaire using the words ‘never,’ ‘rarely,’ ‘sometimes,’ and ‘always.'”
• “Eliza Hittman, the writer and director, conducted extensive research, including spending time with counselors at Planned Parenthood, to ensure the film’s authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch Never Rarely Sometimes Always?

Currently, “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the movie. It can also be found on other on-demand services. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Never Rarely Sometimes Always, you might like these similar films:

• 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007): Shares a similar focus on the challenges of obtaining an abortion in a restrictive environment, with a raw and realistic portrayal.
• Juno (2007): Deals with the topic of teenage pregnancy with sensitivity and explores the difficult choices involved, though with a different tone.
• Obvious Child (2014): A dramedy that tackles the topic of abortion with a focus on the emotional and personal aspects of the decision.

🛒 Never Rarely Sometimes Always Related Products

• Never Rarely Sometimes Always [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray. Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Never Rarely Sometimes Always Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the film’s evocative poster. Perfect for adding a touch of indie cinema to your home or office.
• Empowering Women: Film Collection [Digital]: A curated collection of films celebrating female empowerment, including Never Rarely Sometimes Always.
• Feminist Film Studies Reader: An academic study of how gender roles are portrayed in Never Rarely Sometimes Always.

🎧 Soundtrack

Never Rarely Sometimes Always features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Pididdle” – performed by Buzz Clifford

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Movies of 2020

Curious what the internet thinks of Never Rarely Sometimes Always? Schaffrillas Productions gives a thoughtful take within their Top 10 of 2020. I personally found their insights super interesting, especially if you’re into film analysis!

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