What Is Like Sunday, Like Rain About?
The premise of Like Sunday, Like Rain in 317 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the affluent, rhythm‑filled streets of Manhattan, the city’s polished exterior masks quiet pockets where loneliness lingers. Within this world, a young cello prodigy lives in a spacious Upper West Side apartment, surrounded by privilege yet yearning for genuine connection. Reggie, twelve and already a virtuoso, navigates his extraordinary talent under the watchful eyes of busy parents who rely on a revolving door of caretakers. His world is one of rehearsals, private recitals, and the occasional moment of solitude where the echo of the cello becomes both balm and barrier.
A few neighborhoods away, the bustling energy of Brooklyn cradles a different kind of musical soul. Eleanor, a musician in her early twenties, has recently found herself untethered—her career stalled, her personal life in disarray, and her future uncertain. She drifts between gigs, a lingering ache for purpose, and a lingering desire to return to the disciplined world of formal study. The city’s gritty streets and cramped apartments provide a stark contrast to the polished halls she once imagined, yet they also pulse with the promise of new beginnings.
When circumstance brings Eleanor into the role of Reggie’s temporary caregiver, the two disparate lives intersect through a shared language that needs no translation: music. Their first interactions are gentle, marked by hesitant smiles and the soft resonance of a cello piece titled “Like Sunday, Like Rain.” As they spend time together, the household’s polished elegance begins to feel less like a stage set and more like a refuge, while the bustling streets of Brooklyn soften into a backdrop for quiet moments of understanding.
The film’s tone balances the hushed reverence of classical performance with the raw, unvarnished reality of everyday survival in the city. It invites viewers to linger on the delicate interplay of ambition and vulnerability, hinting at how two individuals—one seeking stability, the other craving expression—might discover that belonging often arrives in unexpected, melodic whispers.
What Happens in Like Sunday, Like Rain?
The complete story of Like Sunday, Like Rain, from the first scene to the last, in 558 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In Brooklyn, 23-year-old Eleanor finds herself at a turning point after breaking up with her unreliable and unfaithful musician boyfriend, Dennis. Facing the harsh reality of moving out of his apartment, she seeks solace at a friend’s place but soon faces the wrath of her ex. In a heated confrontation at her workplace, Dennis’s tirade results in Eleanor losing her job, leaving her even more isolated. Disappointed by her family’s refusal to help her in this tough time, she turns to her friend one last time before embarking on her search for temporary employment.
Meanwhile, in the Upper West Side, 12-year-old Reggie is a prodigious cellist and intellectual who leads a lonely existence. His busy parents often delegate his care to various sitters, the latest of whom had to leave for Panama. In response, Reggie’s mother, Barbara, places an ad for a temporary caregiver, and this is where Eleanor comes into the picture.
Despite Reggie’s incredible talents, he struggles against the perceptions of those around him. He cleverly navigates his mother’s expectations by bribing those in his life, creating the illusion of being well-behaved. When Eleanor meets Reggie, she is moved by his original composition, “Like Sunday, Like Rain,” and an unexpected friendship blossoms between them. As summer camp approaches, she encourages Reggie to attend, but he chooses to stay in the city instead.
Eleanor’s tumultuous relationship with Dennis continues to haunt her. He becomes increasingly obsessive, attempting to reconcile and get back together, but Eleanor stands firm in her decision to end things. After an unsettling incident involving a broken guitar, Dennis vows revenge, but he fails to confront Eleanor again.
During a day out at the park, Reggie becomes intrigued by Eleanor’s world. However, trouble brews when Eleanor learns of her father’s terminal illness, prompting a trip back to her hometown. What starts as a brief visit soon transforms into an emotional journey for both of them, as Reggie witnesses Eleanor’s strained family dynamics. Her sister works in a questionable bar, while her mother and uncle seem apathetic toward Eleanor’s father’s condition. Seeking peace and quiet, Eleanor takes Reggie to a hotel, where she opens up about her past relationship with Dennis and shares her dreams of studying at Juilliard.
That night, Reggie decides he will compose a piece featuring Eleanor, cementing their bond even further. The following day brings mixed emotions when Eleanor visits her father, and Reggie observes the depth of her heartache. Disillusioned by his family’s indifference, Eleanor has a heated argument with her uncle, ultimately deciding to leave for good and returns home with Reggie.
As summer winds down, Reggie’s attachment to Eleanor strengthens, but the reality of her temporary job looms over them. A new caregiver arrives, leading Reggie to struggle with the thought of Eleanor leaving. She feels a strong need to return home to regain stability in her life, and they share a heartfelt embrace filled with promises to stay connected. With a gentle kiss, Eleanor bids farewell, leaving Reggie to navigate his privileged yet lonely existence, now filled with thoughts of her.
In a gesture of affection, Reggie arranges a gift for Eleanor—a cornet featuring his revised notes for “Like Sunday, Like Rain.” Committing to his music once again, Reggie plays the cello, while Eleanor thoughtfully plays her part from a distance, forever connected through their shared experiences.
Like Sunday, Like Rain Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Eleanor's Breakup” to “Commitment to Music”. 6 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Eleanor's Breakup
Eleanor, a 23-year-old woman, finds her life unraveling after breaking up with her unfaithful boyfriend, Dennis. This decision catalyzes a series of events that force her to confront her independence and the reality of her situation.
- 2
Job Loss
Following a heated argument with Dennis at her workplace, Eleanor loses her job, adding to her already precarious situation. This unexpected blow leaves her feeling isolated and desperate as she searches for support.
Where:Workplace
- 3
Seeking Solace
Feeling abandoned and alone, Eleanor turns to a friend for solace after her job loss. However, her ex-boyfriend Dennis continues to haunt her, leading to more stressful confrontations in her life.
Where:Friend's place
- 4
Meeting Reggie
In the Upper West Side, 12-year-old Reggie is struggling with loneliness, and his mother places an ad for a caregiver. Eleanor responds to this ad, and their paths cross, leading to the beginning of a transformative friendship.
Where:Upper West Side
- 5
Emerging Friendship
Upon meeting Reggie, Eleanor is captivated by his talent as a cellist and composer. Their friendship flourishes as they share their perspectives on life, art, and the challenges they both face.
- 6
Summer Camp Decision
As summer camp approaches, Eleanor encourages Reggie to attend for personal growth. However, Reggie chooses to remain in the city, highlighting his developing attachment to Eleanor and the life they share.
- 7
Dennis's Obsession
Despite Eleanor's determination to move on, Dennis becomes increasingly obsessive, attempting to win her back. His erratic behavior culminates in a disturbing incident with a broken guitar, leaving Eleanor shaken.
- 8
Family Illness
Eleanor learns about her father's terminal illness, prompting her to return to her hometown. This trip not only reveals strained family dynamics but also becomes an emotional journey for both her and Reggie.
Where:Hometown
- 9
Strained Family Dynamics
During her visit, Eleanor confronts the indifference of her family towards her father's condition. Reggie witnesses these strained interactions, adding depth to their friendship as they discuss their fears and aspirations.
Where:Hotel
- 10
Composing Together
That evening, Reggie decides to compose a piece inspired by Eleanor, symbolizing their deepening bond. This act not only fortifies their connection but also serves as a creative outlet for both.
Show the other 4 events of Like Sunday, Like Rain Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Emotional Visit
Eleanor's visit to her father reveals the depth of her heartbreak as she faces her family's indifference. A heated argument with her uncle solidifies her decision to leave her hometown for good.
Where:Hometown
- 12
Heartfelt Farewell
As summer comes to a close, a new caregiver's arrival signifies Eleanor's impending departure. They share an emotional farewell, promising to stay connected, underscored by a poignant embrace.
- 13
Reggie's Gift
In a gesture of affection, Reggie presents Eleanor with a cornet featuring revised notes for his original composition, 'Like Sunday, Like Rain.' This gift serves as a lasting connection between them.
- 14
Commitment to Music
With a resolve to hone his craft, Reggie recommits to his music, inspired by the time spent with Eleanor. Their shared experiences leave a profound impact on his life, creating a lasting legacy of their bond.
Who Are the Main Characters in Like Sunday, Like Rain?
3 characters, among them Eleanor, Reggie and Dennis: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- E
Eleanor
Eleanor is a 23-year-old woman facing a significant turning point in her life after losing her job and her turbulent relationship with Dennis. She is portrayed as resilient, seeking solace and purpose while navigating familial estrangement and ambitions of studying at Juilliard. Her ability to connect with Reggie reveals layers of compassion and vulnerability.
- 👩🎤 Young Adult
- 💪 Resilience
- 🎭 Emotion
- R
Reggie
Reggie is a 12-year-old prodigious cellist who struggles with loneliness and high expectations from his busy parents. His intellectual prowess is countered by a sense of isolation, leading him to manipulate situations to assert control. His friendship with Eleanor becomes a turning point, encouraging him to embrace his talents and confront his emotions.
- 🎻 Child Prodigy
- 🌟 Talent
- 🤝 Friendship
- D
Dennis
Dennis is Eleanor's unreliable and unfaithful boyfriend whose tumultuous relationship brings chaos to her life. His obsession and inability to let go become a source of conflict, illustrating the themes of heartbreak and emotional turmoil. His destructive behavior ultimately drives Eleanor to seek independence.
- 🎸 Musician
- 😞 Unfaithful
- 🚫 Toxicity
Where and When Is Like Sunday, Like Rain Set?
Like Sunday, Like Rain is set in Brooklyn, Upper West Side, Panama and Juilliard (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The movie is set in contemporary times, where modern social dynamics and emotional struggles take center stage. Themes such as familial indifference and the pressures of artistic ambition resonate within the current societal context. The characters navigate their lives against a backdrop of immediate challenges typical of today’s world.
Where
Brooklyn, Upper West Side, Panama, Juilliard
The movie takes place in Brooklyn, a vibrant borough of New York City, known for its rich cultural diversity and artistic communities. The Upper West Side is another key location, featuring picturesque streets and a strong presence of intellectual and artistic life, as seen through the character of young Reggie. Additionally, Panama is mentioned as a location disrupting Reggie's care situation, while Juilliard is highlighted as a prestigious music school symbolizing Eleanor's aspirations.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎻 Arts
- 🌎 Travel
What Are the Themes of Like Sunday, Like Rain?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Friendship and Growth.
-
01
Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a central theme as Eleanor grapples with the emotional fallout of her breakup with Dennis. Her struggle to move on is compounded by her father's illness and the unsupportive behavior of her family. This theme highlights the complexities of love and loss, as both Eleanor and Reggie cope with their respective loneliness.
-
02
Friendship
The theme of friendship emerges powerfully through the bond between Eleanor and Reggie. Their relationship transcends their personal struggles, offering solace and inspiration to one another. Reggie's admiration for Eleanor’s musical talent fuels their emotional connection, showcasing the uplifting impact of friendship amidst life's adversities.
-
03
Growth
Personal growth is evident as Eleanor confronts her past and aspires to a brighter future. Reggie's journey also reflects growth as he learns to navigate his emotional landscape while striving for recognition. Their interactions prompt transformations that suggest new beginnings despite challenging circumstances.
What Kind of Film Is Like Sunday, Like Rain?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A slow, melancholic drama that follows two lonely souls who find a deep, transient connection through music, creating a gentle yet bittersweet atmosphere of quiet yearning.
- melancholic
- lonely
- reflective
- gentle
- bittersweet
- quiet
- unlikely friendship
- loneliness
- self-discovery
- music and art
Content notes: domestic abuse, terminal illness.
Quiz
How well do you remember Like Sunday, Like Rain? Test yourself on the story.
