Waitress 2007

Drama

Comedy

Romance

Box Office

$22M

Runtime

108 min

Language

English

Made by

Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Waitress (2007). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Jenna, portrayed by Keri Russell, is a waitress whose life in the American South is overshadowed by her grim marriage to Earl, a man who embodies jealousy, control, and abuse, played by Jeremy Sisto. Employed at Joe’s Pie Diner, Jenna channels her emotions into creating imaginative pies, including the notorious “I Don’t Want Earl’s Baby” pie—a reflection of her unexpected pregnancy. As she dreams of escaping her oppressive circumstances, Jenna secretly saves money to make her getaway.

Her only support comes from her fellow waitresses, Becky and Dawn, as well as Joe, the cantankerous owner of the diner, who pushes her to seek a new beginning. Everything changes when she meets her OB/GYN, Jim Pomatter, played by Nathan Fillion, who has relocated to their small town. What starts as a forbidden romance evolves into a deep friendship, offering Jenna a glimpse of hope amid her despair.

Through journal writings addressed to her unborn child, Jenna articulates her dreams, worries, and a heartening bond with the baby she initially believed she wouldn’t love. The moment she lays eyes on her baby girl, whom she names Lulu, a profound transformation takes place within her. Confronted by Earl, who forces her to choose between him and her burgeoning affection for their child, Jenna finds the courage to assert her independence. She declares her intention to leave Earl behind, despite his retaliatory refusal to pay for her hospital expenses, leading to her abrupt discharge.

As her friends assist her in making preparations for life after the hospital, Jenna discovers a card and a check from Joe, spurring her to take that leap of faith. With a newfound resolve, she ends things with Jim and starts anew. In a hopeful epilogue, we see Jenna victorious in a pie contest and taking ownership of the diner, rebranded as Lulu’s Pies, where she serves vibrant pies to her loyal customers and friends. The story culminates with a heartwarming scene of Jenna walking home, hand in hand with toddler Lulu, embodying the future she fought to create.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Waitress (2007) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Jenna's Unhappy Marriage

Jenna, a waitress, struggles with her tumultuous marriage to Earl, who is controlling and abusive. Living in the American South, her joy is overshadowed by the toxic relationship, which leaves her feeling trapped and hopeless.

American South

Work at Joe's Pie Diner

Jenna finds solace in her job at Joe's Pie Diner, where she pours her emotions into crafting unique pies. Her creativity shines through, especially in the notorious 'I Don't Want Earl's Baby' pie, which symbolizes her feelings about her unexpected pregnancy.

Joe's Pie Diner

Dreams of Escape

Amidst her struggles, Jenna dreams of escaping her suffocating life with the hope of freedom from Earl. She secretly saves money, planning for a future where she can be her own person and regain control over her life.

Support from Friends

Jenna's only allies are her fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn, who understand her plight. Their camaraderie provides her with emotional support and encouragement as she contemplates her escape.

Joe's Pie Diner

Meeting Jim Pomatter

Everything changes when Jenna meets Jim Pomatter, her new OB/GYN who has moved to their small town. Their initial interactions are professional but quickly evolve into a deep friendship and a forbidden romance.

Jenna's Journaling

In her private journal, Jenna writes letters to her unborn child, expressing her fears and hopes. This reflection helps her connect with her baby, fostering a bond she initially thought impossible due to her circumstances.

Birth of Lulu

When Jenna gives birth to her baby girl, Lulu, her life takes a transformative turn. The moment she holds Lulu in her arms, her feelings shift from despair to unconditional love, igniting a fierce determination to protect her child.

Hospital

Confrontation with Earl

Jenna faces Earl's wrath when she chooses to embrace her new role as a mother instead of complying with his demands. This confrontation becomes a pivotal moment, as she finds the strength to assert her independence and makes the decision to leave him for good.

Facing Hospital Discharge

Earl's refusal to pay for Jenna's hospital expenses leads to her abrupt discharge. Although this moment is fraught with tension, it serves as a catalyst for her to take a stand and prepare for a new chapter in her life.

Hospital

Support from Joe and Friends

Jenna's friends rally around her as she prepares for a life outside of Earl's control. A generous card and check from Joe inspires her to take that leap of faith and pursue her dreams.

Ending Things with Jim

With a newfound resolve, Jenna realizes she must end her romantic entanglement with Jim. This decision, difficult yet necessary, allows her to focus on her true ambitions and the future she wants for her and Lulu.

Victory in the Pie Contest

Jenna participates in a pie contest, showcasing her culinary skills that reflect her journey. Winning the contest marks not only a personal victory but also symbolizes her reclaiming her life and passion.

Pie Contest

Rebranding the Diner

Jenna takes ownership of Joe's Pie Diner, renaming it 'Lulu's Pies' to honor her daughter. This step is significant as it represents her transition from victim to empowered businesswoman and a hopeful new beginning.

Joe's Pie Diner

Walking Home with Lulu

In a heartwarming epilogue, Jenna walks hand in hand with her toddler, Lulu, embodying the future she fought hard to create. This final scene captures the essence of her journey towards independence and joy.

Characters

Explore all characters from Waitress (2007). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Jenna (Keri Russell)

Jenna is a talented waitress and pie-maker trapped in a controlling marriage. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to confront her fears and desires for a better life. Jenna's resilience and creativity serve as her means of coping with her oppressive situation.

🍰 Creative 💪 Resilient 🥀 Vulnerable

Earl (Jeremy Sisto)

Earl is depicted as the antagonist of the story, embodying jealousy and control over Jenna's life. His abusive nature creates a suffocating environment that drives Jenna to seek freedom. His character serves as a representation of toxic masculinity and the impact it has on those around him.

🚫 Abusive 🔒 Controlling 😡 Jealous

Jim Pomatter (Nathan Fillion)

Jim is Jenna's OB/GYN and becomes a source of support and friendship. His character represents the possibility of love and kindness that contrasts sharply with Earl's abusive nature. Jim encourages Jenna to dream of a new beginning and symbolizes hope in her life.

🌟 Supportive ❤️ Hopeful 👨‍⚕️ Caring

Setting

Learn where and when Waitress (2007) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film does not specify a particular historical period but reflects contemporary themes related to relationships, independence, and personal growth. The struggle Jenna faces is resonant with many modern social issues, particularly regarding domestic abuse and empowerment.

Location

American South, Joe's Pie Diner

The story takes place in the American South, characterized by its warm climate and Southern hospitality. Central to the narrative is Joe's Pie Diner, a quaint eatery known for its delicious pies and serving as a refuge for Jenna. It becomes a backdrop for her emotional journey of self-discovery and resilience.

🍰 Diner 🌳 South

Themes

Discover the main themes in Waitress (2007). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love & Independence

Jenna's journey explores themes of love, oppression, and the quest for independence. Her relationship with Jim highlights the contrast between toxic love and the supportive bond that encourages her to break free. Ultimately, it's a story of asserting one's independence in the face of adversity.

🍼

Motherhood

The theme of motherhood is central to Jenna's character arc. Through her pregnancy, she grapples with the complexities of becoming a mother under difficult circumstances. Her transformation upon seeing her baby girl signifies a profound shift in her aspirations and priorities.

🥧

Creativity & Hope

Jenna's imaginative pie-making becomes a powerful symbol of her creativity and hope. Each pie reflects her emotional state and dreams of a better life. Through her art, she expresses her innermost feelings and navigates her struggles.

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