What Is The Brothers Solomon About?
The premise of The Brothers Solomon in 276 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the stark, almost timeless expanse of the Arctic wilderness, two brothers carry the quiet weight of a life lived in isolation. John Solomon and Dean Solomon have spent their formative years under the watchful eye of their devoted father, Ed, learning geology and the rhythm of frozen solitude. Their bond is fierce, forged by shared hardships and an earnest, if clumsy, desire to connect with the world beyond the ice. The brothers’ earnestness is matched only by their social missteps, setting the stage for a comedy that balances heartfelt sincerity with off‑beat absurdity.
When Ed slips into a deep, unresponsive state, the brothers discover that his final wish—seeing a grandchild—might be the key to reviving the spark that once animated their family. This revelation sets them on a haplessly ambitious quest to find a mother for the next generation, a journey that thrusts them into unfamiliar urban landscapes and quirky encounters. Their earnest, often misguided, attempts at romance and parenthood are punctuated by the gentle presence of Tara, a neighbor whose kindness offers a semblance of normalcy, and Janine, a stranger whose potential partnership hints at the unpredictable paths the brothers might tread. The tone remains buoyant, with each setback rendered as a comedic stepping stone rather than a tragedy.
Against this backdrop of earnest longing and comic misfortune, the Solomon brothers invent unconventional solutions that blend their scientific curiosity with a heartfelt yearning for family. Their inventive spirit and unshakeable loyalty to one another transform each awkward interaction into a chance for growth, hinting at a future where love, laughter, and a touch of ingenuity might finally bridge the gap between isolation and connection.
What Happens in The Brothers Solomon?
The complete story of The Brothers Solomon, from the first scene to the last, in 566 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Brothers John Solomon (Will Arnett) and Dean Solomon (Will Forte) have long struggled with endless bad luck in their romantic pursuits, a plight largely stemming from their sheltered upbringing. Growing up in the frigid isolation of the Arctic, under the watchful eye of their single father Ed (who they deeply admire for guiding their geology careers), the brothers never truly encountered the outside world until adulthood. Though they mean well and share a bond of loyalty, their lives take an unexpected turn when Ed falls into a coma.
Desperate to awaken their father, John and Dean conclude that the key to his recovery might lie in fulfilling his longstanding wish for a grandchild. Thus begins their ridiculous quest to find the perfect mother figure to help them achieve this goal. Their initial attempts, however, end in utter disaster: John shockingly proposes to a woman on their very first date, and Dean’s promising connection ends tragically when his date is killed in a sudden bus accident. Realizing the need for closer supervision of their father’s condition, they decide to bring Ed into their home.
As they adapt to this new living situation, John strikes up a conversation with their neighbor Tara (who has her own charm), and she kindly agrees to check in on Ed while the brothers are occupied. They then turn their sights toward more traditional avenues of parenthood, including adoption. Yet, their unusual request meets a brick wall at the local adoption agency.
Unwilling to be deterred, John and Dean take to Craigslist in search of a viable surrogate mother. There, they encounter Janine, who initially appears to be the ideal solution to their unconventional dilemma—provided they can meet her fee of $12,000. As time goes on, the brothers navigate the ups and downs of preparing for fatherhood, and Janine’s icy demeanor starts to warm slightly to their quirks. Meanwhile, John wrongly assumes that Tara is romantically interested in him, blissfully unaware of the reality lurking beneath the surface.
Their journey takes a sharp turn when Janine, after attending a prenatal class, decides she wants to take on the parenting gig all by herself. This unexpected twist ignites a passionate confrontation between Dean and John, forcing them to confront John’s unreciprocated feelings for Tara, whose previous remarks have only complicated matters. Their heated argument eventually gives way to reconciliation, strengthening their brotherly bond in the process.
Determined to win Janine over, the brothers devise an elaborate scheme involving a giant sky banner appealing to her senses. Touched by their heartfelt efforts, Janine agrees to collaborate on this parenting adventure with Dean and John, while John must grapple with the painful reality of letting go of his hopes for Tara.
Years later, the Solomon brothers have launched a new business called “Solomon Family Baby-Proofing,” dedicated to providing safety equipment for expecting parents. Their father, Ed, remains in a coma, a lingering symbol of their tangled family dynamic. However, magic strikes when their newborn child miraculously utters its first word—“grandpa”—and gazes directly at Ed, catalyzing an incredible awakening from his long state of unconsciousness.
In the end, the brothers wholeheartedly believe that their journey, alongside this remarkable moment, has played a pivotal role in Ed’s recovery. As they gather to celebrate this newfound miracle, it becomes apparent that their family has managed to transcend its previous trials, finally embracing a bond filled with love and joy.
The Brothers Solomon Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Brothers' Upbringing” to “Celebrating a New Bond”.
- 1
Brothers' Upbringing
John and Dean Solomon grow up in the Arctic under the watchful eye of their father, Ed. Their sheltered upbringing leads to endless bad luck in their romantic pursuits as they struggle to adapt to the outside world.
Where:Arctic
- 2
Ed Falls into a Coma
The brothers' lives take an unexpected turn when their father Ed falls into a coma. This event catalyzes their desperate quest to awaken him, as they feel he must see a grandchild to recover.
- 3
Desperate Measures
In a bid to fulfill Ed's wish, John and Dean embark on a ridiculous quest to find a mother figure for a grandchild. Their initial attempts lead to disastrous results, including a shocking marriage proposal and a tragic bus accident.
- 4
Bringing Ed Home
Realizing the need for oversight, the brothers decide to bring Ed home from the hospital. This new living arrangement forces John and Dean to learn how to better manage their father's condition.
- 5
Neighborly Help
John meets their neighbor Tara, who agrees to help check in on Ed during the brothers' busy lives. This connection, however, adds complexity to John's already tumultuous emotional landscape.
- 6
Adoption Attempts
The brothers explore traditional avenues for parenthood by attempting to adopt. However, their unconventional request is met with resistance from the local adoption agency, leading them to seek other options.
- 7
Craigslist Search
Unfazed by their past rejections, John and Dean turn to Craigslist in search of a potential surrogate mother. They encounter Janine, who seems like the ideal candidate, but her fee poses a new challenge.
- 8
Janine's Reluctance
As they prepare for parenthood, Janine's icy demeanor begins to thaw just a bit around Dean and John. However, John's blissful misunderstanding of Tara's feelings complicates their dynamic further.
- 9
Janine's Decision
After attending a prenatal class, Janine unexpectedly decides she wants to raise the child alone. This revelation sparks a passionate argument between the brothers, forcing them to confront their own feelings and desires.
- 10
Brotherly Reconciliation
Following their heated argument, John and Dean reconcile, which strengthens their bond as brothers. They realize that their differences, although contentious, are a crucial part of their family dynamic.
Show the other 4 events of The Brothers Solomon Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Elaborate Scheme
In a bid to win Janine over, the brothers create an elaborate scheme involving a giant sky banner. Their heartfelt gesture moves Janine, leading her to agree to collaborate on their parenting adventure.
- 12
Launching a Business
Years after their tumultuous journey, John and Dean launch 'Solomon Family Baby-Proofing', which focuses on providing safety equipment for expecting parents. This venture symbolizes their growth and commitment to their new roles.
- 13
A Miraculous Moment
In a miraculous turn of events, their newborn child utters its first word—'grandpa'—while gazing at Ed, who remains in a coma. This magical moment unexpectedly awakens Ed, uniting the family.
- 14
Celebrating a New Bond
The family gathers to celebrate Ed's miraculous recovery. This moment signifies not only the awakening from his coma but also the transformation of their relationship and the love that binds them.
Who Are the Main Characters in The Brothers Solomon?
4 characters, among them John Solomon, Dean Solomon and Tara: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
John Solomon
Played by Will Arnett
John is one of the Solomon brothers, characterized by his earnestness and determination. He displays a mix of naivety and loyalty, making impulsive choices in his quest for love and family. Throughout the film, his character develops as he learns to navigate relationships and prioritizes his familial responsibilities.
- 👨❤️👨 Brotherly Love
- 💡 Naive
- 💔 Romantic
-
Dean Solomon
Played by Will Forte
Dean is the younger Brother Solomon, who shares a tight bond with John. He balances humor with a deep commitment to family but struggles with insecurity regarding his romantic pursuits. His character arc reveals personal growth as he confronts his feelings and learns to embrace unexpected challenges.
- 👨❤️👨 Brotherly Love
- 😂 Comedic Relief
- 💔 Emotional
- T
Tara
Tara is the neighbor who becomes involved in the Solomons' chaotic lives. She is empathetic and kind, providing support during their father's coma. Though initially perceived as a potential love interest for John, her role evolves into a more nuanced character who encourages the brothers' journey.
- 🌸 Kindness
- 💖 Potential Love
- 🏡 Neighbor
- J
Janine
Janine initially seems to be the solution to John and Dean's quest for parenthood, representing a critical turning point in their journey. Her character introduces tension and complexity, as she ultimately seeks independence from the brothers, challenging their perceptions of family and support.
- 👶 Surrogacy
- 😠 Conflict
- 🌪️ Independent
Where and When Is The Brothers Solomon Set?
The Brothers Solomon is set in Arctic. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie doesn't specify a particular time period but presents contemporary themes around parenting and family dynamics. It reflects modern societal challenges around parenthood, including adoption and surrogacy, which are prevalent in today's discussions about family structure.
Where
Arctic
The film takes place in the harsh and frigid environment of the Arctic, a region known for its stunning natural beauty and extreme temperatures. This isolated setting emphasizes the sheltered upbringing of the Solomon brothers, who have little exposure to the outside world. The starkness of the location contrasts with the brothers' quest for love and family.
- ❄️ Cold
- 🏔️ Geology
- 🏡 Home
What Are the Themes of The Brothers Solomon?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family, Unrequited Love and Comedy.
-
01
Family
At its core, the film explores the theme of family, particularly the bond between the Solomon brothers and their father. Their dedication to fulfilling their father's wish for a grandchild leads them on a comical yet poignant journey of self-discovery. The conclusion reveals how love and commitment can heal and strengthen familial ties.
-
02
Unrequited Love
The story delves into unreciprocated feelings, particularly John's misguided assumptions about his neighbor Tara's affections. This theme is pivotal as it challenges the brothers' relationship and highlights John's personal growth as he comes to terms with his emotions. Their journey showcases how love, in various forms, impacts their lives.
-
03
Comedy
The movie is infused with humor stemming from the brothers' relentless and often absurd attempts to become parents. Their misadventures, from disastrous dates to unconventional methods of surrogacy, provide comedic relief while addressing deeper themes of family and connection. The blend of humor with heartfelt moments creates a unique viewing experience.
What Kind of Film Is The Brothers Solomon?
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 lighthearted and consistently funny comedy that follows two endearingly awkward brothers as they bumble their way through life in a heartfelt quest to start a family.
- awkward
- quirky
- heartwarming
- funny
- optimistic
- goofy
- family legacy
- sibling bond
- social awkwardness
- parenthood
Content notes: sudden death, terminal illness.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Brothers Solomon? Test yourself on the story.
