Before Midnight (2013)

Before Midnight (2013), directed by Richard Linklater, is the third installment in the acclaimed “Before” trilogy, following Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). The film continues the story of Jesse and Céline, two lovers whose relationship has evolved over nearly two decades. Where the first two films capture the exhilaration of love’s beginning and rekindling, Before Midnight dives into the realities of long-term commitment, middle age, and the quiet battles fought in everyday life.

Detailed Summary

Life in Greece: The Dream and the Reality

Set in the idyllic Peloponnesian coast of Greece, the film opens with Jesse (Ethan Hawke) saying goodbye to his teenage son, Hank, at the airport. Hank is returning to the U.S. to live with his mother—Jesse’s ex-wife. Jesse is visibly troubled, wishing he could be more present in his son’s life. This tension lays the groundwork for much of what follows.

Jesse returns to a sun-drenched retreat where he and Céline (Julie Delpy), now a long-term couple with twin daughters, are vacationing with friends. Their interactions are filled with playful banter, philosophical musings, and observations about aging, love, and family life.

Walking, Talking, and Cracking

As with the previous films, much of the story unfolds through long, real-time conversations. Jesse and Céline talk while walking through olive groves and ancient ruins. The naturalistic dialogue and chemistry between the actors create a sense of intimacy and realism. Unlike the earlier films, where romantic tension and possibility filled the air, Before Midnight explores emotional weariness, parenting struggles, and lingering regrets.

A central point of tension emerges when Céline brings up a potential job opportunity with the French government—one she feels Jesse might oppose if it means moving further from his son. Their conversations begin to teeter on the edge of conflict.

The Hotel Scene: Love’s Crumbling Facade

As a gift, their friends book them a romantic night at a luxurious hotel. What is meant to be a celebratory evening for just the two of them becomes the site of emotional reckoning. The hotel room scene is arguably the most pivotal in the trilogy.

Initially affectionate and flirtatious, the mood rapidly shifts as Jesse and Céline dive into a long, emotionally charged argument. Every thread of their shared history is tugged: past infidelities, unfulfilled dreams, the sacrifice of individual identity for family, and the fear that their relationship is no longer rooted in love but in obligation and resentment.

Their argument escalates into a full-blown fight, and Céline storms out of the hotel room, seemingly ending the night—and possibly the relationship.

Movie Ending

In the final scene, Jesse finds Céline sitting alone by the sea. She’s angry, tired, and emotionally raw. He tries to lighten the mood with humor and pretends to be a time-traveling stranger, trying to recreate the magic of their first meeting in Before Sunrise. At first, Céline resists, dismissing his playful charm as manipulative. But Jesse persists—not with grand declarations of love, but with an understanding of who they are now: flawed, older, and deeply entangled in each other’s lives.

Eventually, Céline softens. The movie ends with them sitting together, still unsure about the future, but choosing, for that moment, to stay. It’s a powerful, honest ending—no perfect reconciliation, no tidy resolution, just two people choosing to keep talking, even when it’s hard.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Before Midnight does not have any post-credits scenes. True to its minimalist and realistic tone, the film ends without any additional material or Marvel-style surprises.

Type of Movie

Before Midnight is a romantic drama rooted in realism. It blends elements of intimate character study, philosophical dialogue, and relationship drama. It’s often described as a talky, cerebral film for adults—a cinematic exploration of what happens after the “happily ever after.”

Cast

• Ethan Hawke as Jesse
• Julie Delpy as Céline
• Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick as Hank
• Ariane Labed, Athina Rachel Tsangari, Xenia Kalogeropoulou, and others as supporting friends in Greece

Film Music and Composer

Unlike many traditional films, Before Midnight features a very sparse score. The limited music is composed by Graham Reynolds, but the film primarily relies on natural dialogue and ambient sounds to ground its realism. The film’s emotional resonance comes from its writing and performances rather than musical cues.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in the Peloponnese region of Greece, especially in Messinia. The scenic landscapes, ancient ruins, and Mediterranean coastline serve not just as a backdrop but as a metaphor for the beauty and decay of long-term relationships. The timelessness of the Greek setting mirrors the themes of love, memory, and the weight of history.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Award Nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay (Hawke, Delpy, and Linklater)
• Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actress (Julie Delpy)
• Widely acclaimed by critics and included in many year-end top ten lists

Though it didn’t win major awards, the film was celebrated for its writing, performances, and emotional maturity.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Hawke, Delpy, and Linklater co-wrote the screenplay, drawing from personal experiences and years of collaboration.
• Much of the dialogue was rehearsed extensively to feel natural and improvised, though it was tightly scripted.
• The long takes, including an 11-minute continuous shot in the car, required precise timing and discipline.
• The film was shot in just 15 days with a small crew.
• The trio insisted on creative control and avoided studio interference to preserve the trilogy’s unique tone.

Inspirations and References

The film is heavily inspired by:

• Real conversations and experiences of the actors and director.
• French New Wave cinema, especially the works of Éric Rohmer.
• Linklater’s fascination with time, relationships, and how people evolve (seen in his other works like Boyhood).

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes. The film’s structure is very tight and deliberate. Linklater is known for planning these films meticulously, and most content filmed was used in the final cut.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Before Midnight is not based on a book, but it does complete a sort of cinematic novel when paired with Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. The trilogy can be seen as chapters in a long, evolving love story.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Jesse and Céline’s 11-minute car conversation with their daughters asleep in the backseat
• Dinner with Greek friends, where generational perspectives on love and time are discussed
• The long hotel room argument, which feels like a theatrical play in its rawness and intensity
• The closing conversation by the sea, blending hope and heartbreak

Iconic Quotes

• Céline: “If you want true love, then this is it. This is real life. It’s not perfect, but it’s real.”
• Jesse: “You know what’s the truth? I love you. And I’m not in a convenient moment in my life, but I love you.”
• Céline: “I feel close to you. But sometimes, I don’t know. I feel like I’m breathing helium and you’re breathing oxygen.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Jesse’s mention of his son Hank echoes his regrets from Before Sunset, when he felt torn between his new love and responsibilities.
• Céline’s comment about not being “anyone’s wife” is a callback to Before Sunrise, reflecting how she still values independence.
• The trilogy spans 18 years in real time, with each film set 9 years apart—a unique structure in cinematic storytelling.

Trivia

• The three films were made over 18 years, with each installment capturing the actors’ real-life aging and changing worldviews.
• Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke contributed significantly to the dialogue and themes.
• Richard Linklater based the original story on a real encounter he had in Philadelphia.
• Julie Delpy’s real-life feminist ideals heavily influenced Céline’s character arc.
• The entire trilogy was shot on relatively small budgets but achieved critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase.

Why Watch?

Watch Before Midnight if you’re interested in intelligent, emotionally honest storytelling about love that doesn’t rely on clichés. It’s not about dramatic gestures or fairy tales—it’s about what happens when two people actually live together, with all the beauty and messiness that comes with it.

Director’s Other Movies

• Before Sunrise (1995)
• Before Sunset (2004)
• Boyhood (2014)
• Dazed and Confused (1993)
• Waking Life (2001)
• A Scanner Darkly (2006)
• Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Marriage Story (2019)
• Blue Valentine (2010)
• Once (2007)
• Her (2013)
• The Souvenir (2019)
• Scenes from a Marriage (1974)
• Lost in Translation (2003)