Away We Go

Away We Go is a heartwarming and thought-provoking 2009 film brought to you by dynamic directing duo, Sam Mendes and Dave Eggers. This richly textured movie stars John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph as Burt Farlander and Verona De Tessant, a loving couple who are expecting their first child. The film co-stars the notable actress Allison Janney who brings additional depth to the character roster.

The narrative is essentially a road trip, but instead of the traditional narrative about free-spirited young people on a quest for adventure and self-discovery, this one is about two adults tackling the coming milestone of parenthood and questioning where in the world they should be to undergo this life-altering experience. Mendes luxuriously guides us on an exploratory journey through North America, where Burt and Verona meet with an array of interesting characters who each hold a mirror to their uncertainties about parenthood.

Krasinski's performance as Burt makes for a wholesome character study that compliments Rudolph's more introspective role as Verona. Prone to eccentric mood swings, Burt’s character has a lot of energy and ambition yet seems to struggle to find himself amid an overbearing family and pressured work situation. On the other hand, Verona, played exquisitely by Rudolph, is resilient yet soft-spoken, holding a calming influence over Burt. Verona's past traumas further complicate her journey into motherhood, painting a deeper picture of the character as we move throughout the film. Together, they craft a couple who are well-versed in each other's strengths and weaknesses, walking the path of life together and facing the challenge of becoming parents with grace and humour.

The world they navigate is rich with quirky characters each beautifully portrayed by a cast that includes the talented Allison Janney. Janney, known for light comedic work, and deeper character roles, plays Lily, a blunt, plain-spoken former co-worker of Verona whose boisterous approach to life and motherhood forces the couple to face some hard realities about their own impending journey into parenthood. Each character they encounter with their quirky facades and underlying depth, presents a unique perspective on family, and purpose, adding layers of complexity to Burt and Verona's journey.

Away We Go reflects remarkably on parenthood, relationships and the meaning of home. The pair's search takes them through a series of contrasting environments across North America each more poignant and illuminating than the last. The couple travels with a simple question: Where should we raise our family? But the query leads to a more profound examination of their own identities and inherent values.

The dialogue in Away We Go is refreshingly candid and often laugh-out-loud funny, while the emotional tension bubbles just under the surface, forcing Burt and Verona and the viewers to simultaneously question and appreciate the unassuming madness that colors our lives.

The film doesn't conceal its thematic mission of exploring the essentials of adulthood, family, and home. Instead, it puts these existential questions at the forefront of its well-crafted narrative. The seemingly ordinary road trip thus, becomes a profound journey of self-discovery and an exploration into the essence of what it means to become a parent, a home-maker, and an adult. From a score that beautifully accompanies the film's moods to its profound and articulate writing, Away We Go has all the creative momentum and critical commentary of an engaging drama-comedy.

At its heart, Away We Go is a tale of coming of age, but not in the usual teenagers-transitioning-into-adults sense. It's the growing of two people who are already adults into roles they initially find uncomfortable and terrifying – those of parents. The journey towards parenthood forces them to confront their beliefs about family, home, and self, shaping their answers along the way.

Away We Go is a movie for those seeking a thought-provoking examination of life and love. It's a film that prompts you to ask yourself what really matters in life. Unraveling the complexity of parenthood and relationships with gentle humor and subtle charm, it's a piece you'll ponder on long after the credits roll.