While We're Young

In the midst of a strained marriage, filmmakers Josh (character) Srebnick and his wife Cornelia are struggling to find common ground in their New York City home. For over a decade, Josh has been toiling away on the post-production of his documentary about leftist intellectual Ira Mandelstam, refusing to let his producer wife lend a helping hand.

Following a lecture at the college where he teaches, Josh is approached by Jamie and Darby Massey, a young couple who invite him and Cornelia to join them for dinner. Jamie's enthusiasm for Josh's work and that of his accomplished documentary filmmaker father-in-law, Leslie Breitbart, leaves Josh starstruck. As they spend more time together, Josh and Cornelia find themselves drawn into the bohemian lifestyle of their new friends.

Jamie, an aspiring filmmaker himself, strikes up a conversation with Josh about their projects, including Josh's own documentary. This sparks Jamie to develop a film about reconnecting with an old high school friend he found on Facebook. As Jamie and Darby extend an invitation to an ayahuasca ceremony, Cornelia becomes increasingly enamored with the experience, while Jamie receives Josh's approval for helping with his film's production. Cornelia eventually agrees to produce the film.

Jamie and Josh set out to find Kent Arlington, their old friend who is hospitalized after a suicide attempt. Their discovery that Kent was involved in a civilian massacre during his Army tour in Afghanistan adds depth to Jamie's film.

Meanwhile, Josh is stymied as he tries to pitch his own documentary concept to a potential hedge fund investor, only to be met with disinterest. Seeking guidance, he turns to Leslie for a second opinion. However, their constructive criticism is marred by personal tension when Josh brings up the couple's childlessness and implies that he feels like a disappointment.

The tension boils over at a party celebrating the screening of Jamie's film, which receives widespread acclaim from Leslie and the hedge fund investor. A hurt Josh lashes out at Cornelia, leading to a heated argument and their eventual separation. As Josh reunites with Darby, who is growing increasingly frustrated with Jamie's self-absorption, she reveals Cornelia's clandestine kiss with Jamie.

The next morning, Josh confronts Cornelia about her indiscretion, denouncing Jamie in the process.

As Josh pours over footage of Jamie's film with his editor, a revelatory discovery awaits. Amidst the reels, he stumbles upon evidence suggesting that the fateful meeting between Kent and Jamie was nothing more than a meticulously crafted ruse. The revelation sets him on a quest to uncover the truth, which ultimately leads him to confront Kent himself.

The veteran journalist's confession is captured on camera, painting a picture of a complex web of deception. Josh then turns his attention to Jamie, determined to expose the filmmaker's manipulation. However, he finds Darby has already had enough, and their relationship is on the brink of collapse. Jamie, meanwhile, is celebrating at a tribute to Leslie at Lincoln Center.

Undeterred, Josh corners Jamie in private, expressing his outrage over the filmmaker's willingness to compromise the truth for the sake of drama. His words have little effect, as Jamie ultimately convinces Leslie that the fabrication is a necessary evil to produce a compelling story. Defeated, Josh concedes that his film requires further editing, acknowledging Leslie's keen eye.

In a poignant coda, Josh and Cornelia reconcile outside the celebration, their love stronger than ever. A year later, they embark on a new adventure, driving to the airport for a flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where they will welcome a newborn child into their family.

As they await takeoff, Josh's attention is drawn to an article extolling Jamie's filmmaking prowess. He and Cornelia share a knowing glance, acknowledging that while Jamie may not be evil, his youthful impulsiveness can lead him astray. They then observe a young boy playing with an iPhone at the gate, a poignant reminder of the challenges that lie ahead as they prepare to become parents themselves.