What Is Leap Year About?
The premise of Leap Year in 287 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In bustling Boston, Anna Brady has built a successful career in real‑estate, yet her personal life feels stalled. After four years with her cardiologist boyfriend Jeremy, the absence of a proposal gnaws at her confidence, prompting her to embrace an old Irish leap‑year custom: if a woman proposes on February 29, the man is bound to accept. Determined to seize control of her destiny, she books a trip across the Atlantic, dreaming of a bold declaration in Dublin’s romantic streets.
A sudden storm diverts her flight, and a detour to the rugged western coast of Ireland lands her in a picturesque seaside village. There she encounters Declan, a gruff yet charismatic owner of a local tavern, whose life is rooted in the rugged beauty and practical rhythm of the Irish countryside. Their first meeting crackles with playful tension—her polished city sensibility clashes with his grounded, weather‑worn charm—setting the stage for an unlikely partnership as they navigate the winding roads toward the capital.
The film unfolds against a backdrop of emerald hills, mist‑laden cliffs, and quaint villages that pulse with folklore and warmth. Its tone blends light‑hearted comedy with a wistful, almost magical realism, inviting viewers to feel the pull of tradition and the allure of unexpected companionship. As Anna and Declan journey together, the story hints at deeper questions about love, destiny, and the courage required to let go of what feels prescribed and discover what feels authentic.
Through witty banter, scenic vistas, and a shared adventure that blurs the line between mission and meandering, the movie promises a heartfelt exploration of whether a meticulously planned proposal can survive the serendipitous detours of life—and whether an unplanned connection might rewrite the very definition of a perfect ending.
What Happens in Leap Year?
The complete story of Leap Year, from the first scene to the last, in 711 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Successful real estate agent Anna Brady is growing increasingly frustrated with her cardiologist boyfriend, Jeremy Sloane, who still hasn’t proposed after four long years. Determined to take matters into her own hands, she decides to travel from Boston to Dublin to propose to him on February 29, which is leap day. According to an Irish custom, if a woman proposes to a man on this special day, the man must accept.
However, Anna’s journey takes an unexpected turn when her flight is diverted to Wales due to a storm. In her quest to reach Dublin, Anna hires a boat to Cork, only to be forced ashore in a charming small seaside village called Dingle. There, she finds herself at a local tavern, where she seeks the help of a grumpy innkeeper, Declan O’Callaghan. Initially resistant, Declan ultimately agrees to taxi her across the country for EUR500, after his tavern’s future is jeopardized by a looming foreclosure.
As Anna and Declan set off in his old, beat-up car, their contrasting personalities become apparent. Declan mocks her designer Louis Vuitton luggage, affectionately dubbing it “Louie,” and he doesn’t hide his skepticism regarding the leap year tradition Anna firmly believes in. Their journey quickly becomes chaotic when a herd of cows blocks the road, leading to Anna stepping in cow dung while trying to assist. In a mishap while cleaning her shoes, she accidentally sends Declan’s car rolling into a stream.
Their misadventures continue when Anna attempts to catch a ride with three travelers in a van. Ignoring Declan’s warnings, she hands over her luggage, only to be left behind as they drive off with her belongings. After a chaotic chase, Declan demonstrates unexpected strength by confronting the thieves at a roadside pub, retrieving Anna’s bag but earning their eviction from the establishment.
At a railway station, the duo waits for the next train, which leads them to a scenic hike to the ruins of a nearby castle. Here, they engage in a light-hearted conversation about what they would save from a fire. Declan captivates Anna with an old Irish legend involving a woman who escapes with her true love from an unwanted engagement. While captivated by the story, they lose track of time and miss their train.
That night, they find shelter at a cozy bed & breakfast in Tipperary. To deceive their conservative hosts, they pretend to be a married couple, taking the surname “O’Brady-Callaghan.” This charade culminates in an accidental kiss during dinner, igniting unexpected feelings between them. Though they share a bed that night, they cautiously sidestep acknowledging their growing emotions.
The next day brings another storm as they hitchhike down the road, leading them to take refuge in a church where a wedding is underway. Invited to the reception, Anna loses herself in the festivities and starts to rethink her commitment to Jeremy. Just as she and Declan lean in for a kiss, she suddenly becomes ill and collapses.
Upon finally reaching Dublin, a surprised Jeremy promptly proposes in the hotel lobby. Turning to share the moment with Declan, Anna realizes he has already walked away, leaving her to accept Jeremy’s proposal. However, during a later engagement party back in Boston, Anna discovers that Jeremy’s intentions were less romantic than she had hoped—he proposed merely to appease their building’s co-op board.
In a bold move, Anna pulls the fire alarm during the party, reflecting on the 60 seconds concept she had discussed with Declan. As chaos ensues, Jeremy scavenges for electronic gadgets, revealing his lack of concern for Anna’s feelings. This moment of clarity leads Anna to conclude that her life with Jeremy lacks meaning, and she seeks happiness elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Declan returns to Dublin and retrieves his mother’s claddagh ring from his ex-fiancée. Later, Anna finds her way back to Declan’s tavern in Dingle. There, she confesses that she has ended her engagement to Jeremy, expressing her desire to be with Declan. Expecting rejection, she is caught off guard when Declan returns, ready to give her his mother’s ring, and he proposes to her on a cliff, overlooking the sea.
With a joyful heart, Anna accepts his proposal, setting the stage for an adventurous journey together, leaving their destination to fate as they drive away in Declan’s car.
Leap Year Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Anna's Frustration” to “Driving into the Future”. 15 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Anna's Frustration
Successful real estate agent Anna Brady becomes increasingly frustrated with her boyfriend, Jeremy Sloane, who hasn't proposed after four years. This dissatisfaction drives her to take a bold step towards her future.
Where:Boston
- 2
The Leap Day Plan
Determined to propose to Jeremy herself, Anna decides to travel to Dublin on February 29, a leap day, to take advantage of an old Irish custom. According to this tradition, if a woman proposes on this day, the man must accept.
When:February 29 Where:Boston
- 3
Flight Diversion
Anna's plans take an unexpected turn when her flight to Dublin is diverted to Wales due to a storm. This change forces her to find alternative ways to reach her destination, complicating her proposal plans.
Where:Wales
- 4
Journey to Dingle
Undeterred, Anna hires a boat to Cork but is stranded in the charming village of Dingle. Here, she meets Declan O'Callaghan, a grumpy innkeeper who reluctantly agrees to help her.
Where:Dingle
- 5
Taxi Across the Country
Declan and Anna set off on a chaotic road trip across Ireland in Declan's old car. Their journey begins with banter, as Declan mocks Anna’s expensive luggage while she remains optimistic about the leap year proposal tradition.
Where:Ireland
- 6
Cow Dung Incident
Their trip quickly turns chaotic when they encounter a herd of cows blocking the road. Amid the commotion, Anna accidentally steps in cow dung while trying to help, showcasing the contrast between city girl and rural life.
Where:Ireland
- 7
Lost Luggage
In a moment of haste, Anna attempts to catch a ride with three travelers, only to be left behind when they drive off with her luggage. This leads to a surprising confrontation at a roadside pub, highlighting the stakes of their adventure.
Where:Roadside Pub
- 8
Ruins of a Castle
While waiting for a train, Anna and Declan hike to the ruins of a beautiful castle. During this time, they open up to each other, sharing light-hearted conversations and revealing more about their lives.
Where:Castle Ruins
- 9
Bed & Breakfast Charade
When they find shelter in a bed & breakfast in Tipperary, they pretend to be a married couple. This ruse leads to unexpected intimacy, as they share a bed and a kiss during dinner that sparks newfound feelings.
Where:Tipperary
- 10
Changing Feelings
At a wedding they attend, Anna starts to question her engagement to Jeremy upon seeing the joy surrounding her. Just as she and Declan share a moment, Anna suddenly collapses, hinting at a turning point in her journey.
Where:Church
Show the other 5 events of Leap Year Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Jeremy's Proposal
Eventually, Anna arrives in Dublin, where a surprised Jeremy eagerly proposes to her. However, their moment is overshadowed by the realization that Jeremy's intent is more about convenience than love.
Where:Dublin Hotel Lobby
- 12
Fire Alarm Chaos
During an engagement party back in Boston, Anna is struck by the shallowness of her relationship with Jeremy. In a moment of rebellion, she pulls the fire alarm, prompting chaos and forcing her to confront her true feelings.
Where:Boston
- 13
Declan's Return
After ending her engagement, Anna finds her way back to Declan’s tavern in Dingle. She confesses her desires and is surprised when Declan presents her with his mother's claddagh ring, ready to propose.
Where:Dingle
- 14
A Proposal with a View
On a breathtaking cliff overlooking the sea, Declan proposes to Anna, allowing them to embrace their connection fully. This moment signifies a turning point towards a shared future filled with adventure and love.
Where:Cliff in Dingle
- 15
Driving into the Future
With a joyful heart, Anna accepts Declan's proposal. As they drive away in Declan’s car, they leave their pasts behind, embarking on a new adventure together, allowing fate to guide them.
Where:Dingle
Who Are the Main Characters in Leap Year?
3 characters, among them Anna Brady (Amy Adams), Declan O'Callaghan (Adam Scott) and Jeremy Sloane (Matthew Goode): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Anna Brady (Amy Adams)
Played by Amy Adams
Anna is a successful real estate agent who is determined and proactive about her relationship, taking the initiative to propose to her boyfriend. She displays resilience as she navigates unexpected challenges during her journey, but also undergoes a transformation, ultimately questioning her choices and what truly makes her happy.
- 👩💼 Ambitious
- 💖 Romantic
- ✈️ Adventurous
-
Declan O'Callaghan (Adam Scott)
Played by Adam Scott
Declan is a grumpy yet charming innkeeper who initially appears reluctant to assist Anna. Throughout their journey, he reveals a deeper, caring side as he helps Anna face numerous challenges. Declan's growth from skepticism to genuine affection for Anna showcases his complexity and warmth beneath a tough exterior.
- 🥴 Gruff
- ❤️ Caring
- 🚗 Supportive
-
Jeremy Sloane (Matthew Goode)
Played by Matthew Goode
Jeremy is Anna's boyfriend who struggles to commit despite their long relationship. His proposal appears more driven by obligation than romance, which ultimately pushes Anna to reevaluate her relationship. His presence serves as a catalyst for Anna's journey toward self-discovery and genuine love.
- 🤵 Conventional
- 🚫 Unromantic
- 👔 Insecure
Where and When Is Leap Year Set?
Leap Year is set in Boston, Dublin, Wales, Cork, Dingle, Tipperary (Present Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present Day
The events of the movie take place in the present day, highlighting contemporary relationships, travel experiences, and the cultural significance of leap year traditions. It captures the essence of modern-day romance and the challenges faced by individuals navigating love and commitments.
Where
Boston, Dublin, Wales, Cork, Dingle, Tipperary
The movie travels across several locations, starting in Boston, known for its rich history and cultural significance. Anna’s journey then leads her to Dublin, a vibrant city famous for its literary heritage and lively atmosphere. Along the way, she finds herself in the charming seaside village of Dingle, known for its picturesque scenery and welcoming taverns, and stays at a cozy bed & breakfast in Tipperary, surrounded by lush landscapes.
- 🇺🇸 Boston
- 🇮🇪 Dublin
- 🇬🇧 Wales
What Are the Themes of Leap Year?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Commitment and Adventure and Discovery.
-
01
Love and Commitment
The central theme of the movie revolves around love and commitment, as Anna grapples with her relationship with Jeremy and the unexpected feelings that develop with Declan. Through her journey, she learns the importance of following her heart rather than societal expectations. The contrast between her initial commitment and the blossoming romance showcases the complexities of love.
-
02
Adventure and Discovery
Anna's journey from Boston to Dublin is filled with unexpected adventures, illustrating the theme of exploration and self-discovery. Each mishap and encounter leads her to reevaluate her desires and aspirations. The journey emphasizes the idea that life's unpredictability can pave the way for personal growth and new beginnings.
What Kind of Film Is Leap Year?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A charming and lighthearted romantic comedy that follows a chaotic journey through the Irish countryside, filled with comical mishaps and a slow-burn romance that challenges a woman's preconceived notions about love.
- charming
- whimsical
- lighthearted
- romantic
- picturesque
- comical
- opposites attract
- road trip romance
- self-discovery
- marriage proposal
Quiz
How well do you remember Leap Year? Test yourself on the story.
