What to Expect When You're Expecting Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of What to Expect When You're Expecting.
Quick Plot Summary: What to Expect When You're Expecting is a Romance, Comedy, Drama film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Challenges of impending parenthood turn the lives of five couples upside down. Two celebrities are unprepared for the surprise demands of pregnancy; hormones wreak havoc on a baby-crazy author, while her husband tries not to be outdone by his father, who's expecting twins with his young trophy wife; a photographer's husband isn't sure about his wife's adoption plans; a one-time hook-up results in a surprise pregnancy for rival food-truck owners. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.