What Is Mr. Roosevelt About?
The premise of Mr. Roosevelt in 291 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the laid‑back sprawl of Austin, Texas, a city that hums with music, coffee shops, and the lingering echo of independent ambition, Emily Martin finds herself back on familiar streets after a call about her beloved cat. A struggling stand‑up comic who has spent the last two years chasing elusive auditions in Los Angeles, Emily carries the restless energy of a performer whose jokes are still waiting for the right audience. The film opens with a tone that blends dry humor and understated melancholy, painting a portrait of a young artist caught between the glitter of big‑city dreams and the stubborn pull of home.
The return is anything but simple. Emily’s former boyfriend, Eric Kline, is already reshaped by a new chapter, sharing his life with the confident and creatively inclined Celeste Jones. Their presence turns what should be a straightforward reunion into an uncomfortable dance of familiar chemistry and shifting boundaries, while the trio’s interactions crackle with quiet tension and occasional, genuine affection. Amidst this uneasy dynamic, Emily crosses paths with Jen Morales, a free‑spirited server whose rebellious streak and off‑beat outlook provide a striking contrast to the ordered lives around her. Their burgeoning connection hints at the possibility of fresh perspectives and unexpected camaraderie in a place that feels simultaneously intimate and expansive.
As the weekend unfolds, the audience is invited to watch Emily navigate the delicate balance between past affection and present reality, all while the city’s eclectic backdrop—sun‑drenched parks, buzzing cafés, and vibrant local art—mirrors her inner turbulence. The film’s mood is a careful blend of witty observation and heartfelt introspection, promising a journey where the protagonist must confront lingering doubts, rediscover her own voice, and consider what lies beyond the familiar path she thought she knew.
What Happens in Mr. Roosevelt?
The complete story of Mr. Roosevelt, from the first scene to the last, in 657 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Emily Martin, a striving comedian, has been navigating life in Los Angeles for the past two years, but her auditions remain fruitless. One day, a brief and disappointing encounter leads to a call from her ex, Eric Kline, informing her that their beloved cat, Mr. Roosevelt, is unwell.
Hastily, she makes her way back to Austin, Texas, where she unexpectedly runs into Eric at the veterinarian’s office. Their reunion is cut short when Eric introduces her to his new live-in girlfriend, Celeste Jones, leaving Emily taken aback. With Mr. Roosevelt having already passed away, Emily feels obliged to settle the vet bill. As the couple extends an invitation for her to stay in the home she once shared with Eric, she is dismayed to discover that Celeste has redecorated completely.
While following their lives on social media, Emily notices a stark contrast: Eric’s page is barren of photos, while Celeste’s is filled with images showcasing their life together, including their late cat. Later that night, Emily is invited to dinner with the couple and another set of friends. The evening becomes increasingly awkward when Emily questions Eric about his band, only for Celeste to reveal that he’s choosing a more stable career in real estate, while Emily explains her struggles as a comedian with aspirations that haven’t materialized.
Feeling frustrated, Emily leaves the table, only to bump into Jen Morales, a server who recognizes her from YouTube. In a moment of vulnerability, Emily shares her turmoil—her cat’s death, Eric’s new relationship, and her feelings of being replaced. To bring her back to the moment, Jen playfully splashes water on her, resulting in fits of laughter between the two.
However, upon returning to the dinner, Emily’s soaked appearance is met with confused glances. The following morning, Celeste offers Emily a flight back to LA using their frequent flyer miles, while Eric proposes to make breakfast for her. Their interactions stir old feelings as they find themselves once again physically close. But reality hits when Emily is starkly reminded of the absence of Mr. Roosevelt, causing her to recall Eric’s comment about a coffee-free house now that the cat is gone.
With a plan to reclaim her independence, Emily decides to cycle into town for coffee before meeting up with Jen again at her home. Spending a liberating day at the Greenbelt, Emily eventually finds herself cutting ties with her job over a phone call. After indulging in some marijuana, she receives news about her cat’s cremation being completed, compelling her to return to the vet. Unfortunately, she’s informed that Celeste has taken the ashes.
Frustrated, Emily confronts the couple about the urn being kept from her. As a brunch for Mr. Roosevelt’s memorial is planned for the next morning, Emily and Eric seize the chance to escape to a nearby eatery where they run into Jen and her band. Eric joins Jen onstage, furthering the night’s adventure. The two share a kiss, but Eric quickly backtracks, insisting it was a mistake, citing his desire for a family—a stark contrast to Emily’s commitment issues.
In a fit of anger, she spends a night with Art, only to awaken with regrets and stained clothes. Refusing to linger in her past, Emily throws on something old and heads to the brunch in a whirlwind of emotions. Discovering the situation absurd, she ultimately decides to take Mr. Roosevelt’s ashes and pedals away.
Back at Jen’s, Emily attempts to vent her frustrations, when another round of playful water splashing results in disaster—she loses control, sending the ashes flying. This moment triggers a long-overdue breakdown, which leads Jen to assist her in laying Mr. Roosevelt to rest in the backyard with Eric and Celeste.
As she packs up to leave, Emily scribbles a heartfelt goodbye and hastily discards most of her items in the shed before catching a ride to the airport with Jen, marking the end of this tumultuous chapter in her life.
Mr. Roosevelt Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Struggling Comedian” to “Departure”. 15 events name a place, across 11 locations.
- 1
Struggling Comedian
Emily Martin has been living in Los Angeles for two years, pursuing her dream of becoming a comedian. Despite her efforts, she faces constant rejection from auditions, leaving her feeling disheartened.
When:Present Day Where:Los Angeles, California
- 2
Unexpected Call
Emily receives an unexpected call from her ex-boyfriend, Eric Kline, informing her that their cherished cat, Mr. Roosevelt, is unwell. This news compels her to hurry back to Austin, Texas, to be with her beloved pet.
When:Present Day Where:Phone Call
- 3
Reunion at the Vet
Upon arriving at the veterinarian's office, Emily unexpectedly runs into Eric. Their reunion is halted when Eric introduces her to his new live-in girlfriend, Celeste, leaving Emily feeling shocked and displaced.
When:Present Day Where:Veterinarian's Office, Austin
- 4
Mr. Roosevelt's Death
Emily is heartbroken to learn that Mr. Roosevelt has already passed away. In her grief, she feels obligated to cover the vet bill, highlighting her deep connection to her pet amidst the chaos of her returning home.
When:Present Day Where:Veterinarian's Office, Austin
- 5
Old Home, New Changes
Emily visits the home she once shared with Eric, only to find that Celeste has completely redecorated it. This realization deepens her sense of loss and nostalgia for the life she used to have with Eric.
When:Present Day Where:Eric and Celeste's Home, Austin
- 6
Social Media Comparison
As Emily follows Eric and Celeste's lives on social media, she notes a significant difference. Eric's page is nearly empty, while Celeste's is filled with joyful memories of their time together, including pictures of Mr. Roosevelt.
When:Present Day Where:Online
- 7
Awkward Dinner
Emily is invited to dinner with Eric, Celeste, and mutual friends. The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as Emily discusses her struggles in comedy, only to learn that Eric has shifted his career focus to real estate.
When:Present Day Where:Dining Room, Austin
- 8
Connection with Jen
In a moment of vulnerability during dinner, Emily connects with Jen, a server who recognizes her from YouTube. Their candid conversation leads to laughter, offering a brief reprieve from Emily's emotional turmoil.
When:Present Day Where:Dining Room, Austin
- 9
Rekindled Feelings
The next morning, Emily experiences moments of closeness with Eric while they prepare breakfast together. The fleeting affection is overshadowed by the painful reminder of Mr. Roosevelt's absence, which weighs heavily on Emily.
When:Present Day Where:Kitchen, Austin
- 10
Seeking Independence
Determined to reclaim her independence, Emily decides to cycle into town for coffee. The day of freedom enables her to break away from her worries and regain a sense of control over her life.
When:Present Day Where:Austin
Show the other 5 events of Mr. Roosevelt Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Confrontation over Ashes
Emily receives news about Mr. Roosevelt's cremation but confronts Eric and Celeste upon learning that they have kept the ashes from her. This confrontation unveils deeper emotional wounds stemming from their past relationship.
When:Present Day Where:Eric and Celeste's Home, Austin
- 12
Brunch for Mr. Roosevelt
As a memorial brunch for Mr. Roosevelt is being planned, Emily and Eric seize the opportunity to escape to a nearby eatery. During their outing, they share a kiss, but Eric quickly retracts, citing his intentions for a stable family life.
When:Present Day Where:Nearby Eatery, Austin
- 13
Breaking Down
After a night of regret spent with another man, Emily wakes up feeling lost. In a final emotional breakdown, she accidentally spills Mr. Roosevelt's ashes while trying to vent her frustrations, leading to a therapeutic resolution.
When:Present Day Where:Jen's Home, Austin
- 14
Final Goodbyes
As Emily prepares to leave Austin, she pens a heartfelt goodbye and discards many of her belongings. This act symbolizes her emotional release and readiness to move on from the past and embrace new possibilities.
When:Present Day Where:Eric and Celeste's Home, Austin
- 15
Departure
Emily catches a ride to the airport with Jen, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in her life. This departure signifies her willingness to let go of the past and embrace the unknown future awaiting her in Los Angeles.
When:Present Day Where:Airport, Austin
Who Are the Main Characters in Mr. Roosevelt?
5 characters, among them Emily Martin (Noël Wells), Eric Kline (Nick Thune) and Celeste Jones (Britt Lower): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- EM
Emily Martin (Noël Wells)
Played by Noël Wells
Emily is a striving comedian whose journey is marked by disappointment and a longing for connection. Her complexities are revealed through her interactions with her past and present, illustrating her struggle to maintain authenticity amid challenges. As she navigates heartbreak and ambition, Emily’s growth is both captivating and relatable.
- 🎭 Comedy
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 🎤 Ambition
-
Eric Kline (Nick Thune)
Played by Nick Thune
Eric is Emily's ex-boyfriend who represents a past that Emily is struggling to let go of. His transition from aspiring musician to real estate further complicates their reunion, revealing his desire for stability. Despite his seemingly settled life, he shares a palpable chemistry with Emily, hinting at unresolved feelings.
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 🎸 Music
- 🏡 Stability
- CJ
Celeste Jones (Britt Lower)
Played by Britt Lower
Celeste is Eric's new girlfriend, embodying the shift in Eric's life and serving as a representation of Emily's feelings of being replaced. Her upbeat and seemingly blissful nature contrasts sharply with Emily's emotional turmoil, creating a complex dynamic between the three. Celeste’s character adds depth to the themes of jealousy and moving on.
- 👩❤️👨 Relationships
- 🎨 Redecorating
- 🏠 Home
-
Jen Morales (Daniella Pineda)
Played by Daniella Pineda
Jen is a supportive friend who becomes a confidante for Emily during her troubled visit to Austin. Her cheerful demeanor and understanding nature help ground Emily, offering moments of levity amidst the sadness. Jen's character emphasizes the importance of friendship and support during difficult times.
- 🤝 Friendship
- 💧 Support
- 😂 Humor
-
Art (Andre Hyland)
Played by Andre Hyland
Art is a character who enters Emily's life during a moment of vulnerability, providing a temporary distraction from her problems. However, their brief encounter leads to regret, highlighting Emily's internal conflict and the lengths she goes to escape her feelings. Art embodies the fleeting nature of connections.
- 😢 Regret
- 👥 Temporary
- 🗨️ Conversation
Where and When Is Mr. Roosevelt Set?
Mr. Roosevelt is set in Austin, Texas and Los Angeles. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie takes place in present day, capturing the modern challenges faced by artists in a competitive environment. The story unfolds over the course of several days but symbolizes the emotional state of the characters rather than a specific period.
Where
Austin, Texas, Los Angeles
Austin, Texas, known for its vibrant music scene and cultural diversity, serves as the backdrop for Emily's emotional journey. The Greenbelt offers a serene escape for outdoor activities, contrasting sharply with the chaos of her life. In Los Angeles, a city synonymous with dreams and aspirations, Emily's struggles as a comedian unfold amidst the bustling entertainment industry.
- 🏙️ City
- 🌳 Greenbelt
What Are the Themes of Mr. Roosevelt?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Loss and Ambition.
-
01
Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a central theme in the film, as Emily grapples with the end of her relationship with Eric and the loss of her beloved cat, Mr. Roosevelt. The emotional turmoil she experiences underscores the difficulties of moving on and the weight of former connections. Each interaction with her past forces Emily to confront her feelings and find closure.
-
02
Loss
The theme of loss is pervasive in the movie, symbolized not only by the death of Mr. Roosevelt but also by Emily's sense of displacement in her old home. The film poignantly explores how the characters cope with grief and transition, ultimately leading to growth and new beginnings in the face of heartache.
-
03
Ambition
Emily's struggle in pursuing her comedy career showcases the theme of ambition. Despite facing numerous setbacks, her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry drives much of her character development. The juxtaposition of her aspirations against the realities of life challenges her to reconsider her priorities and true desires.
What Kind of Film Is Mr. Roosevelt?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
An awkward and bittersweet indie comedy that follows a woman's emotionally messy weekend confronting her past, dealing with loss, and finding unexpected liberation amidst discomfort.
- awkward
- melancholic
- reflective
- quirky
- vulnerable
- liberating
- grief and loss
- coming of age
- moving on
- unrequited love
Content notes: animal death.
Quiz
How well do you remember Mr. Roosevelt? Test yourself on the story.
