What Is Look Both Ways About?
The premise of Look Both Ways in 270 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the quiet moments before a life‑changing milestone, Natalie stands on the brink of her university graduation in Texas, her dreams of filmmaking humming just beneath the surface. Surrounded by a close‑knit circle of friends and family—Gabe, a steady presence from her past, and Cara, her ever‑encouraging best friend—the world feels both familiar and ripe with possibility. The atmosphere is warm and introspective, a small‑town backdrop that hints at larger horizons beyond its borders.
A single, seemingly ordinary decision sends Natalie into a pair of parallel possibilities, each defined by a different answer to a pregnancy test. In one thread, she returns home to the supportive yet demanding embrace of her parents, Tina and Rick, confronting the sudden responsibilities of motherhood while still yearning to nurture her artistic voice. In the other, she leaps to Los Angeles, stepping into the vibrant, fast‑paced creative scene where she seeks mentorship from Lucy Galloway and a budding partnership with Jake, a fellow dreamer navigating his own path in the industry. Both realities pulse with the same core dilemma: how to balance love, ambition, and self‑discovery when the future splits in two.
The film’s tone weaves gentle humor with heartfelt drama, inviting the audience to feel the quiet tension of “what‑if” while celebrating the resilience of a young woman charting her own course. Through Natalie’s dual journeys, the story explores the universal pull between staying rooted and pursuing the unknown, suggesting that every choice, no matter how divergent, contributes to the mosaic of who we become. The mood remains hopeful and inquisitive, leaving viewers eager to see which version of herself she ultimately embraces.
What Happens in Look Both Ways?
The complete story of Look Both Ways, from the first scene to the last, in 606 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
On the eve of her graduation from the University of Texas, Natalie (played by Lili Reinhart) takes a daring step by deciding to have a night of intimacy with her friend Gabe (Danny Ramirez). An aspiring artist, Natalie dreams of creating her own film someday. However, the outcome of a pregnancy test she takes the following day sends her life spiraling into two distinct parallel realities.
In the scenario where Natalie’s test comes back positive, she is forced to move back in with her parents, Tina (Andrea Savage) and Rick (Luke Wilson), who are not exactly thrilled about her situation—especially when Gabe unexpectedly proposes. Struggling with boredom, Natalie grapples with the demands of motherhood after her daughter is born. Although her parents urge her to follow her dreams in the field of animation, Natalie battles the internal conflict of losing her identity while trying to embrace her role as a new mother.
Conversely, in the reality where Natalie’s test is negative, she steps into a vibrant new life in Los Angeles alongside her best friend, Cara (Aisha Dee). Eager to kickstart their careers, Natalie pursues a position as an assistant to animator Lucy Galloway (Nia Long). After a slightly awkward incident where she attends a party hosted by Lucy without an invitation, Natalie’s persistence pays off when she is offered the job. There, she encounters Jake (David Corenswet), and the two quickly establish a supportive partnership as they chase their ambitions—Jake aspiring to make a name for himself as a producer.
In the reality where Natalie is pregnant, challenges arise as she and Gabe navigate co-parenting their daughter, Rosie. While Gabe wishes for Natalie to move in with him, her feelings conflict; she encourages him to explore dating others. This leads to Gabe meeting Miranda, stirring jealousy within Natalie. A trip to Los Angeles to see Cara results in an unsettling call about Rosie being left with Miranda’s sister. It is during this visit that she runs into Jake again, whose presence gives her pause as she learns of Gabe’s engagement plans with Miranda. Turning to her career for solace, Natalie immerses herself in her work as a coping mechanism.
Meanwhile, in the other reality, as she grows closer to Jake, the couple contemplates cohabitating. However, their relationship faces a test when Jake secures a year-long job in Nova Scotia, prompting an attempt at a long-distance relationship. Unfortunately, Natalie’s frustration mounts as Jake’s hectic schedule leaves little time for them. When Jake expresses his sincerity in pursuing their future, Natalie decides it’s time to reinvest in her creativity after receiving critical feedback from Lucy.
Gradually, both realities bring Natalie closer to a significant career milestone. She gets selected for the prestigious South by Southwest film festival, where she finds herself either presenting a short film or participating on a panel alongside Lucy. A serendipitous encounter with Gabe’s band at a bar also highlights the juxtaposition of her two lives. In one reality, Jake surprises her with his dedication by attending the screening of her film, while in another, Gabe reveals that he has ended things with Miranda due to his lingering feelings for her.
As both narratives reach their climax, Natalie and Jake stroll the streets with renewed happiness while in the alternate reality, Natalie and Gabe engage in an earnest discussion about a potential romantic relationship for the sake of their child and mutual affection. Each reality culminates at Natalie’s sorority house where she first took the pregnancy test, symbolizing the crossroads of her life.
Ultimately, irrespective of the path taken, Natalie confronts the mirror, whispering reassurances to herself confirming that she is indeed okay.
Look Both Ways Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Graduation Eve Decision” to “Self-Reassurance”. 7 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Graduation Eve Decision
On the eve of her graduation from the University of Texas, Natalie chooses to spend a night of intimacy with her friend Gabe. This decision sets the stage for the life-altering events that follow, ultimately leading to two diverging paths in her life.
When:Eve of Graduation Where:University of Texas
- 2
Pregnancy Test Revelation
The day after her encounter with Gabe, Natalie takes a pregnancy test, which drastically changes her life. The test result leads her to confront what it means to become a mother and alters her trajectory in ways she never anticipated.
When:Next Day
- 3
Return to Parents
In the reality where Natalie tests positive, she moves back in with her discontented parents, Tina and Rick. This transition is difficult for Natalie as she feels the weight of their expectations and her new responsibilities as a mother.
Where:Natalie's Parents' Home
- 4
Gabe's Proposal
Unexpectedly, Gabe proposes to Natalie, adding to her emotional turmoil. Although he expresses a desire to solidify their relationship, Natalie finds herself questioning her identity and future amidst the chaos of impending motherhood.
- 5
New Motherhood Struggles
After the birth of her daughter, Rosie, Natalie struggles with the challenges of motherhood. Despite her parents encouraging her to pursue her dreams, she battles the internal conflict of feeling trapped in her new role.
- 6
New Life in Los Angeles
In the alternate reality where Natalie tests negative, she embraces a fresh start in Los Angeles with her friend Cara. Excited about their careers, she seeks a position as an assistant to prominent animator Lucy Galloway.
Where:Los Angeles
- 7
Awkward Party Crash
Natalie attends a party hosted by Lucy without an invitation, creating an awkward situation. However, her boldness pays off when she impresses Lucy enough to be offered the job she desired, taking her first step toward her dreams.
Where:Lucy Galloway's Party
- 8
Partnership with Jake
At her new job, Natalie meets Jake, and they form a supportive partnership as they chase their ambitions. Their connection quickly deepens as they navigate their artistic pursuits together in the competitive industry.
- 9
Co-parenting Complications
In the reality where Natalie is a new mother, she and Gabe face challenges while co-parenting Rosie. As he begins dating again, Natalie's jealousy stirs, complicating their relationship and demanding difficult conversations about their future.
- 10
Trip to Los Angeles
Natalie's trip to Los Angeles allows her to reconnect with Cara and provides a brief escape from her responsibilities. However, she receives unsettling news regarding Rosie, forcing her to confront her parental duties once again.
Where:Los Angeles
Show the other 5 events of Look Both Ways Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Jake's Job Opportunity
Natalie grows closer to Jake, but their relationship is tested when he secures a year-long job in Nova Scotia. The prospect of a long-distance relationship creates tension as both struggle to find time for each other amid their careers.
- 12
South by Southwest Film Festival
Both realities lead Natalie to a significant career milestone when she is selected to present at the prestigious South by Southwest film festival. This opportunity serves as a pivotal moment for her, highlighting her professional aspirations.
Where:South by Southwest
- 13
Encounter with Gabe's Band
At a local bar, Natalie unexpectedly runs into Gabe's band, which represents the intertwining of her two realities. This encounter brings forward memories and emotions tied to both her past with Gabe and her evolving present.
- 14
Climactic Revelations
As both narratives reach their climax, Natalie faces crucial moments in each reality. Whether it's Jake's support at her film screening or discussions with Gabe about their feelings, she stands at a pivotal crossroads in her life.
Where:Sorority House
- 15
Self-Reassurance
At the end of her journey, Natalie confronts her reflection and whispers affirmations to herself. This moment signifies her acceptance of her identities, irrespective of the paths taken, and solidifies her understanding that she is okay.
Who Are the Main Characters in Look Both Ways?
4 characters, among them Natalie, Gabe and Jake: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Natalie
Played by Lili Reinhart
Natalie is an aspiring artist facing the crossroads of her life after a pivotal night impacts her future drastically. Her character exemplifies resilience as she adapts to motherhood while nurturing her dream of a filmmaking career. The internal conflict between her desires and responsibilities forms the crux of her character arc.
- 👩🎨 Artist
- 👶 Motherhood
- 🎭 Ambition
-
Gabe
Played by Danny Ramirez
Gabe is Natalie's close friend who becomes a key player in her life choices. He embodies the supportive yet complex nature of companionship, navigating his feelings for Natalie while adjusting to new family dynamics. His character reflects the challenges of young love and co-parenting.
- ❤️ Friendship
- 👨👧 Co-parenting
- 🎉 Supportive
-
Jake
Played by David Corenswet
Jake is an ambitious producer who forms a significant bond with Natalie as they both chase their professional goals. His determination and commitment introduce challenges in their relationship, especially with the strain of long-distance dynamics. He serves as a catalyst for Natalie’s self-exploration.
- 🎥 Producer
- 💖 Love interest
- 🚀 Ambitious
-
Tina
Played by Andrea Savage
Tina is Natalie’s mother, whose perspective on motherhood contrasts with Natalie's ambitions. She provides guidance, but also adds to Natalie’s sense of loss in her identity amid family expectations. Tina represents the generational differences in handling life's challenges.
- 👩👧 Family
- 👩🏫 Guidance
- 💗 Maternal
Where and When Is Look Both Ways Set?
Look Both Ways is set in University of Texas, Los Angeles and Nova Scotia (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
The film is set in a contemporary time frame, reflective of modern challenges faced by young adults. Issues such as career aspirations, the pressures of unexpected parenthood, and the quest for identity resonate strongly with today's societal themes.
Where
University of Texas, Los Angeles, Nova Scotia
The University of Texas serves as a pivotal starting point for Natalie's life changes. Los Angeles is depicted as a vibrant city full of opportunities, where Natalie hopes to launch her artistic career. Nova Scotia represents a more isolated setting, testing the relationship dynamics as Jake balances work and the distance from Natalie.
- 🏫 University
- 🌆 City
- 🌄 Location
What Are the Themes of Look Both Ways?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Parallel Lives, Love and Relationships and Self-Discovery.
-
01
Parallel Lives
The narrative explores the concept of parallel lives, showcasing how a single decision can lead to two vastly different outcomes. Natalie’s experiences in motherhood versus her artistic pursuits highlight the choices individuals face while navigating adulthood. The contrasting realities challenge her identity, forcing her to confront her dreams and responsibilities.
-
02
Love and Relationships
Romantic relationships are a central focus, illustrating the complexities of love and commitment. The juxtaposition of Gabe's and Jake's relationships with Natalie introduces themes of jealousy, longing, and the pursuit of happiness. The evolving dynamics reveal how love can thrive or suffer amidst life's challenges.
-
03
Self-Discovery
Natalie’s journey is one of self-discovery as she grapples with her ambitions in the arts. Her struggle to balance motherhood and personal aspirations reflects the larger theme of finding one's identity in the face of external expectations. Ultimately, her growth leads to a realization that both paths hold value and meaning.
How Does Look Both Ways End?
The last act of Look Both Ways and what it means, in 247 words. The ending lands as happy. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the ending of Look Both Ways, the movie leaves us with a thought-provoking ambiguity. After both versions of Natalie, one who becomes a mother (Natalie Blue) and one who does not (Natalie Pink), find success in their respective career and personal journeys, they meet at the festival and reconcile their lives. They go into a bathroom, look into a mirror, and boost each other’s confidence by affirming that everything will be okay. In this moment, we see a glimpse of a third Natalie — still sitting and waiting for her pregnancy test results. This powerful image opens up several interpretations. One possibility is that the entire story has been a kind of imagined or mental rehearsal by the original Natalie in her moment of uncertainty, envisioning two different futures for herself. Another interpretation is that these two realities are actual parallel lives, and what we see at the end might be a glimpse into multiple potential futures, emphasizing that countless versions of her could exist simultaneously. The third theory suggests it’s simply a symbolic way of showing her hope and resilience, implying that regardless of which path she takes, she will find a way to be okay. Ultimately, the ending reflects on the unpredictability of life and the importance of staying hopeful, regardless of the choices ahead. It leaves viewers pondering which version is real—or if perhaps both—and reinforces the idea that no matter what happens, personal growth and hope remain constants in life’s uncertain journey.
What Kind of Film Is Look Both Ways?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A warm and contemplative parallel-life drama that thoughtfully explores the what-ifs of a young woman's journey, ultimately landing on a hopeful and reassuring note about self-acceptance.
- contemplative
- hopeful
- warm
- introspective
- uplifting
- relatable
- alternate realities
- life choices
- coming of age
- motherhood
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Where to Watch Look Both Ways
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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