500 Days of Summer (2009) is a romantic comedy that explores love, expectations, and self-discovery. The film follows Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a hopeless romantic who believes in fate and true love, as he falls for Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel), a carefree and independent woman who doesn’t believe in true love. The story jumps between different moments of their 500-day relationship, capturing both the highs of their romance and the low moments that lead to their eventual breakup.
Tom works in the greeting card industry, a job he hates and is only there for the money. His dream is to become an architect, but he is stuck in a routine, finding happiness only in daydreams about a version of his life where he is truly fulfilled. His life changes when Summer starts working at his office, and after they connect over their shared love for The Smiths, Tom becomes infatuated with her. Encouraged by his friends and younger sister, Tom pursues Summer, even though she warns him early on that she doesn’t believe in love and isn’t looking for a serious relationship.
Despite their differing views, they grow close, sharing playful and intimate moments. However, while Tom sees Summer as “the one” and convinces himself that they are meant to be together, he ignores clear signs that she doesn’t feel the same way. Summer remains emotionally distant, not interested in putting labels on their relationship. As time passes, their differences become more apparent—Tom grows frustrated with Summer’s unwillingness to commit, and Summer begins pulling away. Their small disagreements build up, and Summer ultimately breaks up with him, though she suggests they remain friends. Tom is heartbroken, but he still feels that they will reconnect in the future.
Following the breakup, Tom spirals into a deep depression, struggling at work and in his personal life. He begins reevaluating his belief in true love as he replays their happiest memories, only to finally recognize the warning signs he had previously ignored. An “Expectations vs. Reality” scene plays, where Tom envisions a romantic reunion at a party Summer invites him to—only to be heartbroken when he discovers that she is engaged to someone else. This moment forces him to confront the reality of their relationship and pushes him into a phase of self-reflection and growth.
Determined to move forward, Tom quits his job and pursues his passion for architecture, shifting his focus from chasing an idealized romance to prioritizing his own happiness. While he once believed in destiny and soulmates, he ultimately learns that relationships are unpredictable and that personal growth is essential for moving on.
500 Days of Summer (2009) is a story about the contrast between expectations and reality in love. The film highlights how people often romanticize their experiences, projecting their desires onto others while overlooking the truth. Since the story is told from Tom’s perspective, the audience sees his subjective memories, idealized view of love, and journey toward self-discovery. The film’s message is that love isn’t about finding destiny; it’s about learning, evolving, and embracing change.
500 Days of Summer (2009) Awards:
Golden Globes (67nd Golden Globes) – 2 Nominations, 0 Wins
- Nominated: Best Motion Picture
- Nominated: Best Actor – Joseph Gordon-Levitt
