One Week Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Canadian guy with cancer buys a motorcycle and drives west because a coffee cup told him to, making him realize Canada is big and that’s… something.

🍿 One Week: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Diagnosis and Decision

Ben Tyler, a young teacher, receives devastating news: he has stage IV cancer with a slim chance of survival. Faced with this grim prognosis, Ben questions his life choices and feels unfulfilled. Instead of immediately starting treatment, he impulsively buys a vintage motorcycle.

The Road Trip Begins

Against the wishes of his fiancée, Samantha, Ben embarks on a solo motorcycle journey from Toronto to Tofino, British Columbia. He aims to find meaning and purpose in his life amidst the vast Canadian landscape. Along the way, he encounters various quirky roadside attractions and meets interesting strangers.

Encounters and Self-Discovery

Ben’s journey is filled with chance encounters that lead to introspection and self-discovery. He meets fellow travelers, including a woman on horseback, and a biker, each offering different perspectives on life and mortality. He rediscovers his passion for writing and begins to question his relationship with Samantha.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson): A man diagnosed with cancer who embarks on a motorcycle trip across Canada to find meaning in his life.
• Samantha Pierce (Liane Balaban): Ben’s fiancée, who is baffled and concerned by his decision to leave for a road trip after his diagnosis.
• Mary Tyler (Fiona Reid): Ben’s loving mother, supportive but worried about his life-threatening illness.
• Gerald Tyler (Chuck Shamata): Ben’s caring father, struggling to come to terms with his son’s diagnosis.
• Narrator (Campbell Scott): The voice that guides the audience through Ben’s journey with commentary and insights.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator: “When you get those rare moments of clarity, those flashes when the universe makes sense, you try desperately to hold on to them.” – The narrator reflects on the importance of finding meaning in life’s fleeting moments.
• Narrator: “So the question becomes, or should have been all along… What would you do if you knew you only had one day, or one week, or one month to live?” – The narrator poses a thought-provoking question about prioritizing life when facing mortality.
• Ben Tyler: “It’s not about us! It’s about ME!” – Ben exclaims this in frustration to his fiancée, emphasizing his need for personal exploration.

💰Box Office

• Budget: CA$2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $108,918

💥 One Week Reviews

Personal Review

I loved “One Week”! As a Canadian, seeing our country’s beauty showcased like this made me feel so proud. Joshua Jackson’s performance was incredibly moving, especially the scenes where he’s just reflecting on his life. The moment he kisses the Stanley Cup was pure Canadian gold. It made me think about what *I* would do if I only had one week left. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a little inspiration and a reminder to appreciate the simple things.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of road trip movies”
  • “Viewers interested in Canadian landscapes”
  • “Those who appreciate introspective dramas”
  • “People looking for movies about finding meaning in life”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of terminal illness and mortality”
  • “Some mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Toronto Star: “”One Week” is a touching and beautifully shot road movie that captures the essence of the Canadian landscape, though it occasionally veers into sentimental territory. Joshua Jackson delivers a compelling performance as a man confronting mortality, making it a worthwhile journey.
• Globe and Mail: “While “One Week” is visually stunning, showcasing Canada’s vast beauty, it struggles to maintain a consistent narrative. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity and heartfelt performances, but it lacks depth in exploring its themes of life and death.

Audience Reactions

The beautiful Canadian scenery was breathtaking and made me want to travel across the country.: Viewers praised the film’s stunning cinematography and its authentic portrayal of the Canadian landscape.

Joshua Jackson’s performance was superb; he really captured the character’s inner turmoil and quest for meaning.: Many highlighted Joshua Jackson’s acting, noting his ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and depth.

Overall Consensus: “One Week” is a heartwarming and visually appealing Canadian road movie that explores themes of mortality and self-discovery, though some find its narrative simplicity lacking depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film prominently features Canadian landmarks and icons, aiming to showcase the beauty and vastness of Canada.”
• “Gord Downie, the lead singer of the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip, makes a cameo appearance as a biker, adding to the film’s Canadian identity. His performance is brief but impactful.”
• “Director Michael McGowan wanted to explore themes of mortality and self-discovery within the context of the Canadian landscape.”
• “Joshua Jackson’s character rides a 1973 Norton 850 Commando motorcycle throughout his journey.”

🖥️ How to Watch One Week?

As a Canadian film, ‘One Week’ might be easier to find in Canada. Check streaming services like Crave, CBC Gem, or the Canadian version of Netflix. Outside of Canada, it may be available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Always check availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed One Week, you might like these similar films:

• The Bucket List (2007): Deals with themes of terminal illness and fulfilling life goals before it’s too late.
• Into the Wild (2007): Shares the theme of self-discovery and escaping societal norms through a journey into the wilderness.
• Motorcycle Diaries (2004): Features a transformative journey by motorcycle that leads to personal and social awareness.

🛒 One Week Related Products

• Norton Commando 850 T-Shirt – Vintage Motorcycle Tee: Show your love for the classic motorcycle featured in ‘One Week’. This vintage-style T-shirt is perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of the movie.
• Canadian Road Trip: The 50 Best Adventures in Canada: Planning your own cross-Canada adventure? This guidebook features the best road trip destinations, scenic routes, and must-see landmarks, inspired by Ben’s journey in ‘One Week’.
• The Tragically Hip – Man Machine Poem (Vinyl): Own a piece of Canadian music history! Featuring the iconic Gord Downie, who makes a cameo in ‘One Week,’ this album is a must-have for any Canadian music fan.
• Tim Hortons Single Serve Coffee Cups – Variety Pack (40 Count): Enjoy a taste of Canada with Tim Hortons coffee. Remember Ben’s coffee cup message? Start your own adventure with this variety pack.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “An Awful Lot of Sunshine” – performed by Hugh and Rosie
• “Fiddler’s Will” – performed by Joel Plaskett

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Crazy scene from Buster Keaton’s One Week in 1920🚂

Ever seen a house spin out of control? This short clip from ‘One Week’ is pure comedic gold! It’s a wild ride – you’ve gotta see it to believe it.

✨ Rate