Directed by

Ned Benson
Made by

The Weinstein Company
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Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
As Eleanor Rigby (played by) navigates the iconic Manhattan Bridge on her bicycle, a profound sense of desperation envelops her. This reaches a critical point when she perilously balances at the brink of the East River, only to be dramatically rescued at the last moment. This harrowing incident signals the onset of a tumultuous journey, leading her back to her family home, where she resides with her sister Katy and their parents, amidst an atmosphere thick with uncertainty. In a bid for solace and guidance, Eleanor decides to re-enroll in school, under the sagacious mentorship of Professor Lilian Friedman, with whom she forges a powerful connection.
Meanwhile, Eleanor’s father attempts to encourage her to seek professional assistance, yet it’s evident that she remains deeply mired in her grief stemming from the loss of their young son. This emotional turmoil is intricately threaded throughout the storyline, as audiences witness Eleanor’s struggle to regain meaning and purpose in her existence. Complications arise as she reestablishes contact with Conor, only to realize he has been living a separate life during their split.
Their strained reunion takes place against a backdrop of failed relationships, broken dreams, and existential questioning, as they embark on a series of aimless drives through the rain-kissed city. This poignant exploration of human experience culminates in a tearful confrontation that starkly reveals the delicacy of their bond.
As Eleanor grapples with the peaks and valleys of her life, she finds herself confronted with crucial decisions, wrestling with the intricacies of love, loss, and her own personal development. Ultimately, it is this very vulnerability that liberates her, as she chooses to set off for Paris, leaving behind the remnants of her past and embarking on a path that promises a brighter yet uncertain future.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Desperation on the Bridge
Eleanor Rigby finds herself overwhelmed by a profound sense of desperation while crossing the iconic Manhattan Bridge on her bicycle. This moment of vulnerability leads her to dangerously balance at the edge of the East River, signaling her emotional turmoil.
Dramatic Rescue
Just as Eleanor teeters on the brink of a tragic decision, she is dramatically rescued at the last moment. This pivotal incident catalyzes the beginning of her tumultuous journey filled with grief and self-discovery.
Return to Family Home
Following her harrowing experience, Eleanor returns to her family home where she lives with her sister Katy and their parents. The atmosphere is thick with uncertainty as they navigate their shared grief and emotional struggles.
Re-enrollment in School
Seeking solace amid her turmoil, Eleanor decides to re-enroll in school. She finds guidance and support under the mentorship of Professor Lilian Friedman, with whom she forms a significant connection that aids her recovery.
Father's Concern
Eleanor's father expresses his concerns, encouraging her to seek professional help for her grief. Despite his efforts, Eleanor's emotional struggles remain palpable as she grapples with the loss of their young son.
Reconnecting with Conor
Eleanor attempts to reconnect with Conor, her partner from whom she has been separated. Their reunion opens the door to painful realizations as Eleanor discovers that Conor has been living an entirely separate life during their time apart.
Aimless Drives Together
In the midst of their reunion, Eleanor and Conor embark on a series of aimless drives through the rain-soaked city. This journey is filled with memories and reflections on their past relationship, as they navigate through intense emotions.
Confrontation of Emotions
A poignant confrontation between Eleanor and Conor reveals the delicate nature of their bond. This tearful exchange exposes the complexities of their feelings, highlighting the grief and longing they've both endured.
Wrestling with Decisions
As Eleanor processes her experiences, she faces crucial decisions regarding her relationships and personal growth. This internal struggle showcases her quest for meaning amid the chaos of her life.
Embracing Vulnerability
Eleanor begins to understand that her vulnerability is a source of strength. This revelation liberates her, allowing her to move forward in her life with renewed purpose and determination.
Departure for Paris
Ultimately, Eleanor makes the bold decision to leave her past behind and set off for Paris. This journey symbolizes her desire for a brighter, albeit uncertain, future, as she embraces the unknown.
Explore all characters from The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Eleanor Rigby
Eleanor Rigby is a deeply introspective character grappling with intense feelings of grief and loss. Throughout the movie, she navigates her emotional struggles and seeks meaning in her life after a devastating tragedy. Eleanor's evolution reflects her resilience and the profound impact of her relationships on her journey towards healing.
Katy
Katy, Eleanor's sister, provides a contrasting perspective in their family dynamic. She represents support and stability in the face of Eleanor's chaos, as she struggles to understand Eleanor's pain while navigating her own emotions. Their relationship highlights the complexities of sibling bonds during times of distress.
Conor
Conor is Eleanor's estranged partner whose return complicates her path to healing. His character embodies the remnants of their shared past, intertwining themes of love and separation. As they reconnect, Conor's presence serves as a reminder of the life Eleanor has lost and the future she must choose.
Professor Lilian Friedman
Professor Lilian Friedman plays a crucial role as a mentor in Eleanor's life, guiding her towards a deeper understanding of herself and her circumstances. Her wisdom and support provide a sense of direction that helps Eleanor navigate her tumultuous emotions and decisões.
Learn where and when The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in modern times, capturing the complexities of contemporary relationships and personal struggles. This era is marked by a heightened awareness of mental health issues and the personal challenges individuals face in the aftermath of grief.
Location
Manhattan Bridge, East River, Paris
The Manhattan Bridge is a historic suspension bridge in New York City, known for its stunning views of the skyline and its crucial role in connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. The East River, which runs adjacent to the bridge, adds to the dramatic backdrop of Eleanor's journey, symbolizing both depth and turmoil. Paris, often regarded as the City of Light, serves as a beacon of hope and new beginnings for Eleanor, representing the allure of a fresh start.
Discover the main themes in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Grief
Grief is a central theme in Eleanor's life as she copes with the loss of her young son. The emotional weight of this loss permeates her relationships and decision-making, illustrating how grief can affect one's identity and sense of purpose. Through her struggles, the film portrays the intricate journey of healing and personal growth.
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Vulnerability
Vulnerability emerges as a powerful theme, representing both the fragility of human connections and the strength found in accepting one's emotions. Eleanor's experiences reveal the importance of embracing vulnerability to foster growth and intimacy in relationships. Her journey towards self-acceptance underscores the strength it takes to confront the past.
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New Beginnings
The theme of new beginnings is encapsulated in Eleanor's choice to leave her past behind and embark on a journey to Paris. This decision symbolizes a hopeful aspiration for a brighter future, encouraging viewers to embrace change and the possibilities that lay ahead. The film captures the essence of change as a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

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Discover the spoiler-free summary of The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her (2014). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the quiet suburbs of Long Island, a woman returns to the house where she grew up, seeking refuge from a loss that has unraveled the life she once knew. Eleanor Rigby walks the familiar streets with a heaviness that colors every interaction, and the film settles into a contemplative mood that balances melancholy with the faint hum of hope. The world she re‑enters is both comforting and confining – a place where family rituals linger like distant echoes and the walls seem to hold the weight of unspoken grief.
The central tension revolves around Eleanor’s attempt to piece together a shattered sense of self while navigating the strained ties that have endured for years. Her sister, Katy, offers a blend of sisterly loyalty and subtle distance, embodying the fragile balance between support and the desire to move on. Their parents, still tethered to their own memories, provide a backdrop of generational grief that deepens the film’s emotional texture without dictating a single path forward.
Against this intimate domestic landscape, Eleanor’s relationship with her husband hovers on the edge of dissolution. Their connection, once intimate, is now a series of quiet conversations and lingering silences, reflecting a larger theme of how love can be both a sanctuary and a source of pain. The tone remains understated, allowing the audience to feel the weight of each glance and the quiet yearning that fuels her every decision.
The story is framed by Eleanor’s yearning for renewal, hinted at through her tentative steps back into academia under the guidance of Professor Lilian Friedman, whose presence suggests the possibility of new perspectives. As the narrative unfolds, the film invites viewers to sit with the discomfort of grief, the tentative hope of rebuilding, and the subtle beauty of a life in transition, all without revealing the specific turns that lie ahead.
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