Let’s Talk About Before Midnight
After following Jesse and Celine through the first two films, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, I felt so invested in their story. Their connection, their conversations, and the sheer magic of their relationship made me want to know what happened next. Before Midnight answers that question in the most raw, honest, and human way imaginable.
Set nine years after their rekindled romance in Paris, we find Jesse and Celine vacationing in Greece. They’re no longer the starry-eyed strangers from Vienna or the wistful lovers reconnecting after years apart. Now, they’re a couple navigating the complexities of long-term love—balancing parenthood, careers, and the wear-and-tear of shared history.
This film feels so different from the others, but it’s exactly what their story needed to be. Their conversations, still rich with insight and vulnerability, have taken on a new depth. The spark between them is still there, but it’s tested by frustrations, sacrifices, and the realities of building a life together. Watching them feels intimate and deeply relatable, like eavesdropping on a real couple who’ve known and loved each other for years.
The setting in Greece is breathtaking and symbolic. Its timeless beauty and ancient ruins mirror Jesse and Celine’s relationship—weathered but enduring, a testament to the effort and resilience love requires.
By the end, I found myself torn between hope and melancholy. The trilogy has always been about the balance between possibility and imperfection, and Before Midnight leaves us with a story that feels as real as life itself—messy, complicated, and yet profoundly full of love.
What is the Movie About?
Before Midnight, the third installment in Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, picks up nine years after Before Sunset. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) are now in their forties, navigating the joys and struggles of a long-term relationship while on vacation in Greece.
Through their deeply emotional and philosophical conversations, the film explores the evolution of their love, the passage of time, and the challenges of balancing individual needs with the demands of a shared life. It’s a poignant and authentic portrayal of love and commitment over the years.
Themes and Reflections
The Evolution of Love: The film portrays the growth and challenges of Jesse and Celine’s relationship as they move beyond the idealism of early romance.
Nostalgia and Time: Greece’s ancient ruins and timeless landscapes echo the couple’s reflections on aging, memory, and the endurance of love.
The Complexity of Communication: Their dialogue highlights both the strength of their bond and the fragility of maintaining connection over time.
Parenthood and Sacrifice: The film delves into how raising children and pursuing careers shape their individual identities and shared relationship.
Resilience and Realism: Before Midnight celebrates the effort and resilience it takes to sustain love while acknowledging its imperfections.
Here are a few questions for reflection & Movie Club discussions for this film:
How does the film’s setting in Greece contribute to the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time?
Did you feel invested in Jesse and Celine’s story after the first two films? How did Before Midnight meet or challenge your expectations?
How did Jesse and Celine’s communication evolve throughout the trilogy? What stayed constant, and what changed?
Do you think the film offered a realistic portrayal of love after the honeymoon phase? Why or why not?
What are your thoughts on the ending—did it feel hopeful, melancholic, or a mix of both?
How does the tension in their relationship reflect the challenges of balancing individuality with shared commitments?
What role does parenthood play in shaping their dynamic and their personal struggles?
How does Before Midnight deepen your understanding of Jesse and Celine’s connection compared to the previous films?
Which moments in this film resonated with you the most, and why?
How do you imagine Jesse and Celine’s story continues beyond the events of the film?
What About You?
Did you follow Jesse and Celine’s story across the trilogy?
How did Before Midnight deepen your connection to their relationship and their journey?
Did it meet your hopes for what might happen next in their story?
Let’s share our thoughts on this raw and beautiful film that completes one of the most intimate and heartfelt trilogies ever made.
Where to Watch: Link