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Someone Great (2019) Plot Summary & Timeline

Someone Great (2019) movie poster

Someone Great is a 2019 comedy and romance film directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, running 1 hour 32 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 416 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Someone Great.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
3
themes explained
2
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Someone Great (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 32m
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
No spoilers

What Is Someone Great About?

The premise of Someone Great in 261 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the electric hum of New York City, a place where dreams collide with honking taxis and neon billboards, Jenny is on the brink of a life‑changing move. As a passionate music journalist, she has just been offered her dream job at a top magazine on the opposite coast, a chance that promises fresh horizons but also forces her to confront the sudden emptiness left by a relationship that ended after nearly a decade. The city’s restless rhythm mirrors her own unsettled heart, setting a tone that is both vibrant and introspective.

Her solace comes in the form of two fiercely loyal friends who each carry their own quiet battles. Erin works in real‑estate, always poised yet hesitant to voice deeper feelings that linger beneath the surface of her own romantic life. Leah provides the steady, supportive presence that anchors the trio, while Blair, a social‑media savant, wrestles with personal expectations that often clash with the spontaneity of love. Together they form a tight‑knit circle where humor, honesty, and unspoken affection weave through their conversations, highlighting the complexities of modern friendships.

When Jenny decides to seize one final, unbridled night in the city that has shaped her, the three friends set out to turn the streets into a canvas for laughter, music, and lingering doubts. Their adventure promises a blend of heartfelt dialogue, impromptu escapades, and moments of quiet reflection beneath the city’s glittering skyline. It’s a story about navigating the bittersweet edge between endings and new beginnings, capturing the pulse of youthful optimism against the backdrop of an ever‑awake metropolis.

Full plot

What Happens in Someone Great?

The complete story of Someone Great, from the first scene to the last, in 416 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Jenny, a passionate music journalist in New York City, is excited to embark on her dream job with Rolling Stone in San Francisco. However, her world is turned upside down when her boyfriend of nine years, Nate, ends their relationship, leaving her in a deep state of depression.

To help her navigate through this challenging time, Jenny leans on her best friends: Erin, a hesitant real estate agent struggling to express her feelings for her girlfriend, Leah, and Blair, a social media manager who must confront her own issues of chemistry with her boyfriend, Will. In a bid to lift her spirits and celebrate the new chapter in her life, Jenny proposes a final adventure together as they plan to attend the Neon Classic concert series pop-up show at Sony Hall.

The girls take a day off from work, but the journey to secure concert tickets proves to be a challenge. Fortunately, they manage to obtain them through Jenny’s former college crush, Matt, with whom Blair shares an unexpected encounter. As the day progresses, the dynamic between Erin and Leah reveals unresolved feelings, complicating their friendship.

Meanwhile, Blair confronts Will and amicably ends their relationship, ultimately finding a sense of relief in the process. As the concert approaches, Jenny unexpectedly runs into Nate, but struggles with the courage to engage in conversation, leading to her separation from her friends. Matt takes her to the after-party, a space where she seeks the closure she desperately needs.

The night takes a turn when Erin acknowledges her need to mature, and Blair reveals her tendency to hold impossibly high expectations. They join forces to find Jenny at the after-party, but not before Erin reconnects with Leah, culminating in a mutual agreement to nurture their relationship slowly.

Despite their efforts, they discover Jenny is no longer at the after-party, and confusion settles in when they learn she’s left to “finish it,” referencing her relationship with Nate. Realizing her potential destination, Erin suggests they search for Jenny at Washington Square Park, the place where her romance with Nate blossomed.

They find Jenny sitting by the fountain where their initials had first been etched nine years ago. At first glance, it seems Nate has come to apologize, begging for a second chance, but this moment fades into a dream that Jenny experiences after losing consciousness. Eventually, Blair and Erin come to her side, and the trio walks away together, vowing that their friendship will endure despite Jenny’s impending move to San Francisco.

Timeline

Someone Great Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Jenny's Exciting New Job” to “Friendship Prevails”. 8 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    Jenny's Exciting New Job

    Jenny, a passionate music journalist, receives the opportunity of a lifetime to work for *Rolling Stone* in San Francisco. This dream job is poised to launch her career, and she is filled with excitement as she prepares for this new chapter in her life.

    Where:New York City

  2. 2

    Breaking Point

    Jenny's excitement is shattered when her boyfriend of nine years, Nate, ends their relationship unexpectedly. This devastating news plunges her into a deep depression, leaving her feeling lost and alone.

    Where:New York City

  3. 3

    Support from Friends

    During this tough time, Jenny leans heavily on her best friends: Erin, Leah, and Blair. Each woman faces her own struggles, but they unite to support Jenny, emphasizing the importance of friendship during adversity.

  4. 4

    Concert Adventure Planned

    In an effort to lift her spirits, Jenny proposes a final adventure with her friends to attend the *Neon Classic* concert series. This event represents a chance for them to bond and celebrate new beginnings, despite the challenges they face.

    Where:Sony Hall

  5. 5

    Ticket Trouble

    The friends take the day off work, but securing concert tickets proves to be more difficult than anticipated. After a series of challenges, they finally get lucky, thanks to connections Jenny has with Matt, a former college crush.

  6. 6

    Unresolved Feelings

    As the day unfolds, the relationship dynamics among the friends begin to reveal unresolved feelings. Erin and Leah's friendship is tested as they confront their own emotions towards each other, complicating Jenny's planned adventure.

  7. 7

    Blair's Breakup

    Blair bravely confronts her boyfriend Will and amicably ends their relationship. This decision brings her relief as she starts to realize the importance of embracing her own happiness.

  8. 8

    Unexpected Encounter

    At the concert, Jenny unexpectedly runs into Nate, her ex. Although she's tempted to engage in conversation, she hesitates and ends up separating from her friends, creating a moment of internal conflict for her.

    Where:Concert Venue

  9. 9

    After-Party Closure

    Matt, the former college crush, invites Jenny to the after-party, where she seeks closure from her past relationship. This space serves as a refuge for her to process her feelings and navigate her heartbreak.

    Where:After-party Location

  10. 10

    Friends' Self-Reflection

    While searching for Jenny, Erin acknowledges her need to mature, while Blair confesses her struggle with high expectations in relationships. This moment deepens their bond and propels them to find their friend together.

Show the other 4 events of Someone Great
  1. 11

    Searching for Jenny

    The friends realize Jenny has left the party and might have gone to a significant place: Washington Square Park. This location holds sentimental value as it is where Jenny and Nate's romance began.

    Where:Washington Square Park

  2. 12

    Reunion at the Fountain

    At Washington Square Park, the friends find Jenny sitting by the fountain where their initials were etched years ago. This poignant moment stirs up memories and emotions tied to her past with Nate.

    Where:Washington Square Park

  3. 13

    Confrontation with Nate

    Initially, it seems Nate has come to apologize, seeking a second chance. However, this moment transforms into a dream for Jenny, reflecting her internal struggle with moving on from the past.

    Where:Washington Square Park

  4. 14

    Friendship Prevails

    Blair and Erin arrive to support Jenny, and together they walk away from the park. They vow that their friendship will endure, despite Jenny's upcoming move to San Francisco, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Someone Great?

3 characters, among them Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez), Blair Helms (Brittany Snow) and Erin Kennedy (DeWanda Wise): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Gina Rodriguez as Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez) in Someone Great

    Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez)

    Played by Gina Rodriguez

    Jenny is a passionate and determined music journalist facing an emotional upheaval as her long-term relationship ends. Her journey reflects a mix of vulnerability and resilience as she navigates her heartbreak with the support of her friends. Jenny's story is one of self-discovery amidst the chaos of life changes.

    • 🎤 Journalist
    • 💔 Heartbroken
    • 😢 Vulnerable
  • Brittany Snow as Blair Helms (Brittany Snow) in Someone Great

    Blair Helms (Brittany Snow)

    Played by Brittany Snow

    Blair encapsulates the struggles of modern relationships, battling her own insecurities while trying to support her friend. Her character embodies the journey of realization as she confronts her expectations in love. Despite her cheerful demeanor, she grapples with deeper issues related to her romantic connections.

    • 📱 Social Media Manager
    • 🥰 Supportive
    • 🎭 Emotional
  • DeWanda Wise as Erin Kennedy (DeWanda Wise) in Someone Great

    Erin Kennedy (DeWanda Wise)

    Played by DeWanda Wise

    Erin represents the complexities of unexpressed feelings within friendships and romantic entanglements. As a hesitant real estate agent, she struggles with her emotional maturity and her relationship with Leah. Her evolution in the story exemplifies the importance of honesty and communication in relationships.

    • 🏡 Real Estate Agent
    • 💞 Conflicted
    • 🌱 Growing
Setting

Where and When Is Someone Great Set?

Someone Great is set in New York City, San Francisco, Sony Hall and Washington Square Park. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

New York City, San Francisco, Sony Hall, Washington Square Park

New York City serves as the backdrop for Jenny's emotional journey, filled with vibrant culture and a fast-paced lifestyle. San Francisco represents her dream career, a symbolic fresh start she longs for. Notable locations include Sony Hall, a concert venue where friends seek joy amidst sadness, and Washington Square Park, a significant spot that embodies Jenny and Nate's romantic history.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🎶 Concert
  • 🌳 Park
Themes

What Are the Themes of Someone Great?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak and Friendship.

  1. 01

    Heartbreak

    The theme of heartbreak runs deep through the narrative as Jenny deals with the aftermath of a nine-year relationship. This emotional struggle is echoed in her friends' personal dilemmas, showcasing how love can complicate friendships. Ultimately, they find solace in each other, highlighting the healing power of companionship.

  2. 02

    Friendship

    The importance of friendship is central to the story, as Jenny's friends rally around her during a difficult transition. Their collective experiences and challenges strengthen their bonds, proving that true friends will support each other through thick and thin. Their adventures together serve as a reminder that friendship can provide the strength needed to move forward.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Someone Great?

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

A bittersweet and uplifting comedy-drama that follows three best friends on one wild night in New York City, blending heartfelt melancholy with celebratory joy as they navigate a painful breakup and the promise of new beginnings.

  • melancholic
  • uplifting
  • nostalgic
  • reflective
  • cathartic
  • friendship-driven
  • breakup
  • female friendship
  • moving on
  • coming of age

Content notes: breakup, emotional distress.

Quiz

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FAQ

Someone Great Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Someone Great, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Someone Great about?

In the electric hum of New York City, a place where dreams collide with honking taxis and neon billboards, Jenny is on the brink of a life‑changing move.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Someone Great take place?

Someone Great is set in New York City, San Francisco, Sony Hall and Washington Square Park. New York City serves as the backdrop for Jenny's emotional journey, filled with vibrant culture and a fast-paced lifestyle. San Francisco represents her dream career, a symbolic fresh start she longs for.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Someone Great?

The story follows Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez) (played by Gina Rodriguez), Blair Helms (Brittany Snow) (played by Brittany Snow) and Erin Kennedy (DeWanda Wise) (played by DeWanda Wise).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Someone Great?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Heartbreak and Friendship.

The themes explained

Who directed Someone Great?

Someone Great (2019) was directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and runs 1 hour 32 minutes.

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s films

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