Where the Heart Is

Novalee Nation is a 17-year-old Tennessee transient who has to grow up in a hurry when she's left pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend on a roadside, and takes refuge in the friendly aisles of Wal-Mart. Eventually, some eccentric but kindly strangers 'adopt' Novalee and her infant daughter, helping them buck the odds and build a new life.

Critics generally found the decent cast unable to overcome a poor script and messy plot.

• Novalee begins abandoned, pregnant, unemployed, and nearly penniless before establishing a new life in Sequoyah.
• Eccentric strangers in Sequoyah help Novalee raise Americus and recover after Willie Jack abandons her.
• Novalee is seventeen and pregnant when she must independently protect and raise her daughter.
• Sequoyah, Oklahoma becomes Novalee's adopted home and the setting for her recovery and new relationships.

• Sweet Home Alabamashares a warm, small-town romantic drama tone centered on rebuilding a life after abandonment and hardship
• The Notebookshares a coming-of-age romance, resilient young protagonist, and sentimental rags-to-stability arc
• Steel Magnoliasshares an uplifting women-centered drama about community support, motherhood, and personal reinvention
• Waitressshares a romantic comedy-drama structure built around an unconventional protagonist finding belonging in a small community

Director

Matt Williams

Release Date

2000-04-27

Runtime

120 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (766)

What is Where the Heart Is about?

After being abandoned at a rural Oklahoma Walmart, a pregnant teenager transforms an unlikely refuge into a new home for herself and her daughter.

What is Where the Heart Is like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Where the Heart Is as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Where the Heart Is violent?

Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Where the Heart Is as mild.

What did critics think of Where the Heart Is?

Critics generally found the decent cast unable to overcome a poor script and messy plot.

Which films are like Where the Heart Is?

Films with a similar feel include Sweet Home Alabama, The Notebook, Steel Magnolias, and Waitress.

How long is Where the Heart Is?

Where the Heart Is runs 120 minutes.

Where can I watch Where the Heart Is?

In United States, Where the Heart Is is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.