The Noel Diary Plot Synopsis
Romantic drama The Noel Diary is streaming on Netflix now, and it tells the tale of a talented writer named Jake Turner, who is compelled to explore his past following the passing of his mom. Jake visits his mom’s house to settle the matter with her property. A well-read girl named Rachel arrives soon after, in search of her biological mother, when Jake is cleaning up his childhood home around the holidays. Soon after, Jake discovers a hidden journal that contains Rachel’s and his backstory in addition to explanations concerning their past. Despite hailing from different worlds, both of their experiences are connected by a common thread. Thereafter, the two set out on an adventure together to learn about their history and discover what they have been hoping for this Christmas. Despite Rachel being engaged, there is an instant connection between them that is fueled by their journey to visit Jake’s distant father in an effort to find out more information concerning Rachel’s mom. Both of them must face their own struggles and anxieties as their journey takes various turns.
What serves as the movie’s inspiration?
The romantic drama novella, ‘The Noel Diary’ by Richard Paul Evans serves as the inspiration for this rom-com. Even though the writer made up the incidents that happen in the tale, he used elements from his own experiences as well. Jake, the protagonist, is a best-selling author with a rough past, similar to Evans, who also endured a challenging upbringing. In the novel, teenage Jake’s mother kicks him out of the house. Evans actually admitted that his mom had kicked him out at the age of eleven. The hardships and mental well-being of the author’s mom were mirrored in Jake’s mom.
What separates the movie from the book?
Despite how fantastic the storyline had already been, the director opted to make some changes while transforming it for the screenplay. Retaining the core of the book, he cut away whatever he felt was too self-evident or cheesy and incorporated a few elements that gave the characters more nuance. According to him, Ava the dog was introduced in the movie and there was no dog in the novel. Furthermore, it was also mentioned that Jake is a mystery writer which wasn’t the case in the novel. Additionally, Jake’s father’s backstory narrative was altered to emphasize parallels between Jake and his father.
What sets the flick apart from other holiday movies?
Despite the fact that it is a Christmassy rom-com flick, Shyer aimed to tell a tale wherein elements were applicable to all people and all seasons. He crafted something a little more heartfelt, something that delves deeply into the subject of numerous forms of love, not just romantic love, rather than merely another flick showcasing the magic and beauty of the festive season. He was very adamant about having the movie conclude in a particular way. He was told to make it traditional, which the viewers would really want for both of his protagonists, but he chose to stick with something a little less obvious and lend the piece more depth instead.
Why did Jake visit his hometown suddenly?
Renowned author Jake Turner resides with his pet dog Ava. He receives a phone call from his mom’s lawyer, who notifies him that his mom had passed away the previous week and explains how she left him the estate. Jake was unaware of this because he hadn’t talked to his mum in a while, owing to their disputes.
What happens when Jake goes back to his hometown?
When he returns, he discovers that his mother’s house has turned into a hoarder’s haven. When Jake’s mom was having a bad day, he would play games in his neighbor Ellie’s basement. Presently, Jake meets Ellie and we are made aware of how the loss of the Turners’ oldest child, 7 year old Ben, which led to the collapse of their household. Ellie wishes to join a dating service, so Jake crafts her a bio for her profile.
Why do Rachel and Jake spend time together?
Jake meets Rachel, a well-read woman who he has spotted around his property previously. She informs him that she is trying to find her mom who lived in his house. Although Jake doesn’t recall her, he assures her that Ellie could tell her what she wants to know and that they should wait for her. Fortunately, luck favors the courageous, and Ellie has a companion for the evening. Jake and Rachel agree not to bother her out of respect for her and instead spend quality time dining together. The following morning, they visit Ellie who is with her lover Ian. Ellie explains how she doesn’t recall much about Noel, however, Jake’s dad probably does. Since Jake’s dad abandoned him and he hasn’t seen him in years, this notion does not really sit well with him. However, Rachel seems confident to go alone and is ready to do so. Suddenly, Jake chooses to go with Rachel after changing his mind.
What happens during their trip?
The trip is going smoothly, and we discover that Rachel’s fiancé loves her, but it is clear that she is solely with him because of the stability that he provides her with. They decide to stay in separate hotel rooms and Rachel finishes reading Jake’s novel that night. She is fascinated with his book and claims that, like in his novel, he does seem to push everybody away in real life as well. It’s an additional glimpse into his psyche, one that becomes clearer as the drama unfolds.
Does Rachel learn anything about her mother from Scott?
Once they arrive at Scott Turner’s home, Jake is hesitant to speak with him, but Rachel convinces him that if he goes now, he is going to do the exact thing that his dad did years back when he abandoned him. Jake spent the whole day with his dad, exploring why matters unfolded the way that they did. When Rachel meets Jake’s dad, he informs her that Noel had been a teenager when she was pregnant. The Turners had helped her by employing her as a babysitter, and following Ben’s passing she had truly assisted them. Rachel finally knows how to locate her mom because Scott decided to keep the wedding invitation she sent him.
What is the source of the movie’s conflict?
They both leave, and when they check into a hotel that night, there is only one room left. Since it is Rachel’s birthday, the pair succumb to their desires that night. Jake discovers Rachel has disappeared the following morning. While she expresses how much she cherishes the journey and experience in a letter, she also states that she wants the security that her fiancé offers. After her birth mother abandoned her, Rachel found it challenging to trust anyone.
Does Rachel ever meet her mother?
Rachel had a pleasant upbringing with her adoptive parents. Unfortunately, she could never get over the idea that her mom had abandoned her. She seemed to have no clue who her biological mother was or why she had given her up. Rachel seeks safety and stability in conditions of uncertainty. Moreover, it is a persistent dilemma in her mind. Once the moment arises for Rachel to accept a life-altering commitment, she assumes that uncovering the questions concerning her birth will help her gain clarity. Rachel’s motivation for determining her biological mother’s reality was not to face the woman as she simply wanted to know if her mom loved her. Although all Rachel needs to do is make the trip, she has just recently read Noel’s journal and is relieved to discover that her mom did not desert her. Rachel no longer feels insecure because Noel genuinely cared for her. Rachel was merely interested in learning the truth about her birth mother’s true feelings for her. She understood her situation owing to the trip and her journal, and she received the relief she needed. She didn’t really feel any need to visit her mom thereafter and possibly cause an inconvenience. When Jake decides to visit Noel, he expresses gratitude for everything she did for him and his family. Additionally, he informs her about Rachel, and she tells him that if Rachel chooses to, she would be interested in connecting with her.
Do Jake and Rachel end up together?
While Rachel is with her parents, caught between her newly discovered feelings for Jake and the need for the certainty Alan offers, she spots Jake waiting outside her entrance and he declares his feelings for her. Ignoring her feelings, she tells her fiance that she doesn’t love him, and he walks away with a heavy heart. Jake is getting ready to head home when the inevitable happy ending occurs. Rachel appears in front of his house, giving the impression that she will be with him. This conclusion implies that the two individuals who struggled to trust others finally found each other. Read More: The Noel Diary Movie Review
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