Wanderlust Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A neurotic couple loses their jobs, finds a nudist colony, and tries not to lose their minds (or each other) in the process.

🍿 Wanderlust: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Losing Everything in New York

George and Linda Gergenblatt, a Manhattan couple, invest in a micro-loft apartment. Linda hopes to sell her penguin documentary to HBO, while George anticipates a promotion at work. However, their dreams are quickly shattered. HBO rejects Linda’s documentary, and George’s company folds, leaving them both unemployed and struggling financially. Facing economic hardship, they lose a significant amount of money selling the apartment. With no job prospects in sight, they reluctantly decide to move to Atlanta, where George’s brother Rick offers him a job. Their journey begins, filled with uncertainty about their future and the challenges that lie ahead.

An Unexpected Detour to Elysium

During their drive to Atlanta, Linda insists on stopping for the night. They stumble upon a bed and breakfast called Elysium. As they approach, they’re surprised to see a naked man, Wayne, casually walking around. Attempting to leave, George accidentally crashes the car, forcing them to stay at Elysium. They soon discover that Elysium isn’t just a bed and breakfast, but a free-spirited hippie commune. The residents, including Seth, Eva, and the owner Carvin, welcome them. George and Linda spend the night, feeling more alive and connected than they have in a long time.

Clash of Lifestyles

Arriving at Rick’s house in Atlanta, George and Linda quickly realize they’ve made a mistake. Rick is overbearing and treats George poorly at work, while Rick’s wife Marisa is an alcoholic. The environment is stifling and unfulfilling. After a heated argument with Rick, George decides to return to Elysium with Linda. They are welcomed back with open arms. Initially, George embraces the simpler lifestyle, while Linda is more hesitant. However, their perspectives soon begin to shift as they navigate the commune’s unique rules, including the concept of ‘free love.’

Free Love and Shifting Loyalties

The commune’s emphasis on ‘free love’ creates tension between George and Linda. Seth and Eva attempt to seduce Linda and George, respectively, testing their commitment to each other. Both initially resist the idea of open relationships. Meanwhile, Elysium faces the threat of being taken over by property developers who want to build a casino. The developers need the deed to the land, which Carvin has misplaced. When the developers arrive with bulldozers, Linda bravely stands up to them, galvanizing the commune to protect their home.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George Gergenblatt (Paul Rudd): A New Yorker who loses his job and struggles to adapt to the free-spirited lifestyle of a commune.
• Linda Gergenblatt (Jennifer Aniston): George’s wife, an aspiring filmmaker who finds herself drawn to the commune’s unconventional ways.
• Seth (Justin Theroux): The charismatic and sometimes manipulative leader of the Elysium commune.
• Rick Gergenblatt (Ken Marino): George’s arrogant and overbearing brother who offers him a job in Atlanta.
• Carvin Waggie (Alan Alda): The aging owner and founder of the Elysium commune who embodies the original hippie ideals.
• Wayne Davidson (Joe Lo Truglio): A nudist novelist and resident of Elysium who fully embraces the commune’s lifestyle.
• Eva (Malin Akerman): A free-spirited woman at the commune who attempts to seduce George.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Wayne: “I’m working on my novel. It’s a political thriller about a nudist colony.” – Wayne introduces himself and describes his unique literary endeavor.
• Seth: “Why don’t you just leave behind your VCRs and Nintendo Power Gloves?” – Seth mockingly encourages George and Linda to embrace the commune’s lifestyle by shedding their material possessions.
• George: “I’m gonna go have sex with that lady because I deserve it!” – George says this to a mirror while trying to pump himself up to have sex.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $17,450,535
• Worldwide Gross: $23,812,816

💥 Wanderlust Reviews

Personal Review

I went into Wanderlust expecting a silly comedy, and while it delivered some laughs, it also left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. I enjoyed the chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd; they always seem so natural together. However, the humor felt a bit too crude at times, and the story meandered without a clear direction. The scene with Paul Rudd in front of the mirror was both hilarious and cringeworthy. Ultimately, it’s a decent movie for a lighthearted watch but nothing particularly memorable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston”
  • “Viewers who appreciate irreverent comedies”
  • “Those interested in films exploring alternative lifestyles”
  • “People who enjoy comedies produced by Judd Apatow”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity (including full-frontal male nudity)”
  • “Sexual content and suggestive themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Wanderlust offers some genuine laughs and quirky characters, but the humor is uneven. Rudd and Aniston have good chemistry, and the supporting cast shines, but the film ultimately struggles to find a consistent tone, wavering between satire and slapstick. The nudist aspects felt forced.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The movie’s strength lies in its talented cast, but the script doesn’t give them enough to work with. Many jokes fall flat, and the overall narrative feels meandering. While there are moments of brilliance, they are too few and far between.
• RogerEbert.com: “Wanderlust has the potential for a cutting social commentary, but settles for cheap laughs and easy targets. The film is ultimately forgettable and fails to deliver on its promise of a truly insightful or hilarious experience. The movie’s humor feels stale and recycled.

Audience Reactions

Paul Rudd’s improvisational skills and delivery of lines were a major highlight.: Many viewers praised the unique storyline and the actors’ chemistry.

The awkward and cringe-worthy moments provided unexpected humor.: Some found the movie hilarious, original, and totally awesome.

Overall Consensus: Wanderlust is a mixed bag, offering moments of hilarity and a unique premise, but ultimately falling short due to uneven humor and a meandering plot. While the cast is talented, the film lacks consistent direction and fails to fully capitalize on its potential.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The ‘mirror talk’ scene, where Paul Rudd’s character tries to psych himself up, was largely improvised by Rudd.”
• “Director David Wain, along with Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, who were all together in The State (along with Kerri Kenney-Silver, Joe Lo Truglio and Ken Marino) and were also the comedy troupe Stella, appear as banal Atlanta news anchors.”
• “Ken Marino, who plays Rick, also co-wrote the script.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wanderlust?

Wanderlust is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wanderlust, you might like these similar films:

• Wet Hot American Summer (2001): Directed by David Wain, this cult comedy shares the same irreverent humor and ensemble cast.
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Features a dysfunctional family road trip encountering quirky characters and alternative lifestyles.
• Role Models (2008): Starring Paul Rudd, the similar dry, comedic style.
• This is Where I Leave You (2014): Similar themes of family dysfunction and discovering oneself through unusual circumstances.

🛒 Wanderlust Related Products

• Wanderlust (Blu-ray): Own the movie on Blu-ray with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes, providing a deeper dive into the making of the film.
• Paul Rudd Comedy Collection: A digital collection featuring some of Paul Rudd’s funniest movies, including Wanderlust. Watch anytime, anywhere, on your favorite devices.
• Hippie Costume Set: Dress up as a Hippie. Includes the wig, and everything you need to emulate the carefree spirit of the Elysium commune. Great for parties and themed events.
• Essential Oils Diffuser Set: Create a relaxing and aromatic atmosphere in your home with this essential oils diffuser set. Perfect for recreating the calming vibes of the Elysium commune.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Get Your Body” – performed by Birdman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wanderlust – Bloopers / Gag Reel | (HD)

Ever wonder what it’s like on the set of a comedy like Wanderlust? This blooper reel is hilarious! Seeing Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston crack up definitely makes me want to re-watch the movie.

✨ Rate