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You Are Here (2012) Plot Summary & Timeline

You Are Here (2012) movie poster

You Are Here is a 2012 sci-fi and drama film directed by Daniel Cockburn, running 1 hour 19 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 569 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for You Are Here.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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You Are Here (2012) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 19m
Director
Daniel Cockburn
Genres
Sci-Fi, Drama, Fantasy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is You Are Here About?

The premise of You Are Here in 281 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a world that flickers between the mundane and the uncanny, the story follows the reclusive woman, a solitary figure whose life is a quiet ledger of observations and half‑written notes. She spends her days cataloguing the oddities that seep into her small apartment—cryptic documents fluttering in the margins of her journals, unsettling recordings that echo long after the tape stops, and fleeting glimpses of places that feel both familiar and impossibly distant. The city around her hums with a subdued electric pulse, a backdrop that feels simultaneously concrete and dream‑like, inviting questions about what is real and what is imagined.

When a chance encounter introduces her to a small circle of enigmatic companions, each burdened with their own fragile grasp on reality, the boundaries of her ordered world begin to blur. These strangers are drawn together by a shared curiosity for the hidden threads that knit together disparate realms, their conversations tinged with philosophical yearning and a subtle, lingering unease. Their interactions are less about plot advancement and more about the quiet exchange of ideas, the passing of whispered theories, and the collective feeling that something larger is silently orchestrating their lives.

The film unfolds with a tone that balances delicate introspection and lingering suspense, rendered in a visual style that oscillates between stark, hyper‑real moments and soft, almost painterly sequences that suggest shifting dimensions. As the protagonist’s meticulous records become more than mere observations—hinting at a deeper, perhaps intentional pattern—she is compelled to question whether she is steering her own destiny or simply tracing a line drawn by forces beyond her comprehension. The atmosphere remains laced with curiosity, promising a journey where perception itself becomes the most compelling mystery.

Full plot

What Happens in You Are Here?

The complete story of You Are Here, from the first scene to the last, in 569 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

Steve Dallas, a talented weatherman, notoriously squanders his earnings on fleeting romances and self-indulgence, all while leaving the serious weather forecasting to his dedicated assistant, Delia Shepard. In his moments of leisure, Steve reconnects with his childhood friend, the carefree hippie Ben Baker, who is often immersed in the euphoric haze of cannabis smoke.

Their carefree life takes a sudden turn when a distressed Ben storms into the WRSC office, urgently asking Steve for a ride to a funeral. However, they find themselves delayed due to Ben’s impulsive decision to rescue a batch of crayfish from impending doom. Upon their arrival, Ben’s stepmother Angela, a compassionate special education teacher who married Ben’s father five years earlier, greets him with warmth despite the circumstances.

During the will reading, it is revealed that, per her wishes, Angela will inherit nothing. Meanwhile, Ben’s sister Terry stands to inherit $350,000, while Ben himself receives the family farm, a general store, and a substantial $2 million. This shocking news ignites a creative fire within Ben, spurring his ambition to establish a unique school focused on New Age philosophies in the backyard of the family farm. However, Terry’s disapproval leads her to contest the will, questioning Ben’s mental stability and forcing him into a psychiatric evaluation.

As the date for the evaluation looms closer, Ben retreats to a peaceful Amish farm, believing that their simple lifestyle might inspire his educational pursuits. The psychiatrist determines that although Ben may deal with bipolar disorder, he poses no danger to himself or others, thus allowing him to keep his inheritance.

In a bid to celebrate this victory, Ben and Steve indulge in drinking, during which Steve attempts to express his genuine feelings for Angela. However, the night takes a somber turn when Ben falls into a deep depressive episode, reflecting on the weight of his newfound responsibilities and existential questions surrounding his wealth.

Seeking comfort, Ben turns to Angela, and they share an intimate moment. The following morning, after finding clarity through reflection and medication, Ben decides to shave his iconic beard, meet with Terry, and hand over the family store entirely to her. However, Terry’s ambition to modernize the store signifies a shift in the Baker family dynamic.

As Steve spirals into his own existential crisis, he feels an overwhelming attraction to Angela’s warmth. Resolute in reconnecting, he travels to the farm, only to be faced with the devastating news from Terry: Ben and Angela have shared a moment of intimacy, which fills Steve with rage and betrayal. Having put aside his substance use to impress Angela, Steve’s emotions erupt, leading him back to the city to numb his pain.

Meanwhile, with a determination to right his wrongs, Ben relocates to the town center, ready to rebuild his life from the ground up. As Steve grapples with the reality of his life being intertwined with Ben’s, he confronts an identity crisis, ultimately deciding to leave his weatherman job and return to the farm for reconciliation with Ben and to rediscover himself.

As the film draws to a close, Steve offers a heartfelt invitation to Angela to join him on the farm, signaling the beginning of their romantic revival, while Ben has finally found peace, with his attention turning toward a kind neighbor and her young son. This marks the dawning of a hopeful new chapter for both men, as forgiveness and new beginnings intertwine in their lives.

Timeline

You Are Here Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Steve Dallas” to “Invitation to Angela”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Introduction of Steve Dallas

    Steve Dallas is introduced as a talented weatherman who prefers to indulge in fleeting romances and self-serving antics. He relies heavily on his dedicated assistant, Delia Shepard, to handle the serious aspects of weather forecasting, showcasing a contrast between his carefree lifestyle and professional responsibilities.

  2. 2

    Reunion with Ben Baker

    Steve rekindles his friendship with Ben Baker, a carefree hippie often found enveloped in the bliss of cannabis smoke. Their shared moments reflect a bond rooted in nostalgia and a simple, carefree ethos, marking the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected turns.

  3. 3

    Ben's Urgent Request

    Ben bursts into the WRSC office with a sense of urgency, requesting Steve's help to attend a funeral. However, their departure is delayed when Ben makes the impulsive choice to rescue a batch of crayfish from a nearby location, illustrating his unpredictable nature.

    Where:WRSC Office

  4. 4

    Arrival at the Funeral

    Upon reaching the funeral, Ben is warmly greeted by his stepmother Angela, a compassionate teacher. Despite the somber occasion, her warm reception sets a tone of underlying emotional connections within the family dynamics.

  5. 5

    Will Reading Revelations

    During the reading of the will, shocking revelations about Ben's inheritance are unveiled. Angela will receive nothing, while Ben inherits a family farm, a general store, and a significant $2 million, sparking ambition within him to create a New Age school.

  6. 6

    Terry's Reaction

    Ben's sister Terry reacts harshly to the will, contesting its fairness and questioning Ben’s mental stability. This leads to a mandatory psychiatric evaluation, further complicating Ben's emotional journey amidst newfound wealth.

  7. 7

    Ben's Retreat to Amish Farm

    In search of inspiration, Ben retreats to an Amish farm to experience a simpler lifestyle. This decision reflects his internal struggle and desire for clarity as he prepares for the psychiatric evaluation.

    Where:Amish Farm

  8. 8

    Psychiatric Evaluation

    During the evaluation, the psychiatrist determines that Ben, while managing bipolar disorder, is not a danger to himself or others. This outcome relieves Ben and reinforces his claim to the inheritance, allowing him to pursue his dream of education.

  9. 9

    Ben's Depressive Episode

    Following a night of celebration, Ben experiences a deep depressive episode, burdened by the weight of responsibilities arising from his wealth. This moment of reflection delves into his psyche, exposing vulnerabilities tied to his recent changes.

  10. 10

    Intimacy with Angela

    In search of comfort, Ben connects with Angela, leading to an intimate moment that complicates his feelings further. Their connection represents not only a romantic interest but also a deeper emotional bond formed through shared experiences.

Show the other 5 events of You Are Here
  1. 11

    Decision to Shave

    After a night of reflection, Ben decides to shave his iconic beard, symbolizing a fresh start and clarity in his direction. He chooses to hand over the family store to Terry, marking a significant shift in their familial relationship dynamics.

  2. 12

    Steve's Identity Crisis

    As Ben embraces his new path, Steve grapples with his own feelings of existential dread and attraction to Angela. This internal conflict leads him to confront his identity and choices in life, culminating in a decision to leave his weatherman job.

  3. 13

    Confrontation with Terry

    Upon visiting the farm, Steve learns from Terry about Ben and Angela's intimate moment, igniting feelings of rage and betrayal within him. This revelation forces Steve to confront his own fears and insecurities regarding his relationships.

  4. 14

    Ben's New Beginning

    Determined to rebuild his life, Ben relocates to the town center, ready to embrace new beginnings. This move signifies his newfound resolve to channel his wealth and experiences into positive endeavors.

    Where:Town Center

  5. 15

    Invitation to Angela

    As the film concludes, Steve extends a heartfelt invitation to Angela to join him on the farm. This gesture not only symbolizes his desire for reconnection but also hints at a hopeful new chapter in their lives intertwined with forgiveness and growth.

    Where:Farm

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in You Are Here?

4 characters, among them Steve Dallas, Ben Baker and Angela: who each one is and the part they play in the story.

  • SD

    Steve Dallas

    Steve is a talented weatherman characterized by his carelessness and indulgence in fleeting pleasures. As the story unfolds, he faces significant emotional turmoil, leading to a profound identity crisis fueled by his feelings for Angela and his entanglement with Ben's life. His growth reflects a search for genuine connection and self-worth.

    • 🌤️ Weatherman
    • 🎭 Self-Discovery
    • 😓 Crisis
  • BB

    Ben Baker

    Ben is a carefree yet troubled soul, embodying the free-spirited nature of a hippie while wrestling with bipolar disorder. His journey is one of self-discovery, ambition, and reclaiming his life through the inheritance of the family farm. Ben's character represents the struggle between mental health and societal expectations, ultimately seeking peace and purpose.

    • 🌈 Hippie
    • 📚 Educator
    • 🌿 Growth
  • A

    Angela

    Angela is a compassionate special education teacher and Ben's stepmother. Despite the turmoil surrounding Ben's inheritance, she remains a figure of warmth and support. Her relationship with Steve adds complexity to her character as she navigates the emotional fallout of the family's dynamics.

    • ❤️ Compassionate
    • ✨ Supportive
    • 👩‍🏫 Educator
  • T

    Terry

    Terry, Ben's sister, embodies ambition and a strong desire for control amid family chaos. Her efforts to modernize the family store indicate a proactive approach but also signify tension with Ben's more whimsical aspirations. Terry's character highlights the conflict between tradition and progress within family dynamics.

    • 💼 Ambitious
    • ⚖️ Conflict
    • 👩‍🔧 Modernization
Setting

Where and When Is You Are Here Set?

You Are Here is set in WRSC office, family farm, Amish farm and town center. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The film does not specify a particular time period but captures the contemporary struggles of its characters against the backdrop of familial responsibility and personal crises. Modern themes of mental health awareness are woven throughout, reflecting current societal values and challenges.

Where

WRSC office, family farm, Amish farm, town center

The WRSC office serves as a hub for Steve's weather forecasting career, contrasting with the more rustic settings of the family farm and Amish farm. The family farm, with its expansive fields and general store, symbolizes Ben's roots and ambitions. The peaceful Amish farm represents a simple lifestyle, providing Ben with inspiration for his educational pursuits. The town center serves as a focal point for community interactions and reconnection with the past.

  • 🏢 Office
  • 🌾 Farm
  • 🚜 Countryside
  • 🏡 Community
Themes

What Are the Themes of You Are Here?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, New Beginnings and Existential Crisis.

  1. 01

    Heartbreak

    The theme of heartbreak runs deep as characters navigate relationships filled with betrayal, love, and loss. Steve grapples with feelings of rage and anguish after discovering Ben's intimacy with Angela, leading to a painful emotional climax. Meanwhile, Ben's journey towards self-acceptance and his complex relationships with family highlight the emotional turmoil of navigating love and support.

  2. 02

    New Beginnings

    New beginnings emerge as Ben commits to transforming his life and the family farm into a space for educational exploration. His path symbolizes renewal and the potential for growth after adversity. Steve, too, seeks a fresh start, deciding to leave his job in search of personal fulfillment and reconciliation with his past.

  3. 03

    Existential Crisis

    Both Steve and Ben confront deep existential questions throughout the film. Steve's journey forces him to reevaluate his life choices and sense of identity, leading to an emotional reckoning. Ben's struggle with mental health adds complexity to his search for purpose and stability amidst the newfound wealth and responsibilities.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is You Are Here?

Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Hopeful
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A steadily paced, character-driven drama that balances existential anxieties and family conflict with a warm, hopeful tone, focusing on redemption and self-discovery.

  • reflective
  • hopeful
  • quirky
  • existential
  • redemptive
  • warm
  • inheritance
  • friendship
  • mental health
  • romantic tension

Content notes: mental health crisis.

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FAQ

You Are Here Plot Questions

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

What is You Are Here about?

In a world that flickers between the mundane and the uncanny, the story follows the reclusive woman, a solitary figure whose life is a quiet ledger of observations and half‑written notes.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does You Are Here take place?

You Are Here is set in WRSC office, family farm, Amish farm and town center. The film does not specify a particular time period but captures the contemporary struggles of its characters against the backdrop of familial responsibility and personal crises.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in You Are Here?

The story follows Steve Dallas, Ben Baker, Angela and Terry.

All the characters

What are the main themes of You Are Here?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Heartbreak, New Beginnings and Existential Crisis.

The themes explained

Who directed You Are Here?

You Are Here (2012) was directed by Daniel Cockburn and runs 1 hour 19 minutes.

Daniel Cockburn’s films

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