What Happens Later

What Happens Later is a 2023 American romantic comedy film directed by Meg Ryan, who also co-wrote and stars in it alongside David Duchovny.

What Happens Later is a 2023 American romantic comedy film directed by Meg Ryan, who also co-wrote and stars in it alongside David Duchovny. The story follows two former lovers who reunite overnight at a regional airport after their flights are delayed by a snowstorm. It was released theatrically by Bleecker Street on November 3, 2023.

Plot

Willa and Bill, two ex-lovers, are stranded overnight at a regional airport when a snowstorm delays their flights. Their unexpected reunion forces them to revisit their shared past and the life choices they made after separating.

Production

What Happens Later was directed by Meg Ryan and written by Ryan with Steven Dietz and Kirk Lynn, adapting Dietz’s play Shooting Star. The film was produced as a contemporary romantic comedy centred on a two-character airport setting.

Release

Bleecker Street released the film theatrically in the United States on November 3, 2023. It later became available on streaming in late November 2023 according to major film listings.

Reception

The film drew mixed critical reviews, with commentary often noting its stage-play roots and its return to Ryan’s romantic-comedy style. Reported box-office performance was modest, with roughly US$3 million in gross earnings.