I lay in my twin-sized bed, my laptop cracked open and playing Juno (2007). As I get consumed by the story, I am suddenly transported back to summer 2022, on a similar twin bed, watching the same movie. The only difference is that next to me is my dearest friend, Sadie Quinn. When I was doing research at the University of Michigan, I vividly remember my wooden floored double room on the West Quad of Central Campus and that night, my mentor wanted to introduce me to a movie I’d never seen before. She started by saying, “Juno is amazing, it’s a real tearjerker!” I was skeptical at first, but I decided to give it a go, and today, it is the most cherished movie I have ever watched.
The movie begins with the titular character, Juno MacGuff, who is portrayed by Elliot Page. She is a 16-year-old high schooler who got pregnant by her long-time friend Paulie Bleeker. After finding the positive test, Juno considers getting an abortion — however, upon entering the clinic and being faced with numerous pro-life protestors, she has a breakdown and eventually decides that she cannot go through with the procedure. And so, Juno begins the quest to find adoptive parents for her unborn baby. She finds a married couple — failed rockstar Mark Loring and his wife Vanessa. The movie explores themes of family, friendship and the complexity of love. The love of a mother to child, from lover to lover and from friend to friend.
The emotional epoch is when Juno finds Mark feeling unsure about his marriage with Vanessa — and he subsequently ends up confiding more and more in her. He soon admits that he is attracted to her. This part of the movie is highly profound because it shows that their relationship is beyond just black and white. There are layers to it, and what Juno does is astoundingly mature for a young, vulnerable and pregnant girl of her age. She continues her platonic relationship with Mark, and their emotional connection finally comes to an end when Mark admits to Vanessa that he is not ready for the picket fence life. In a moment of solace, Juno realizes her feelings for Paulie and gets emotional. This causes her to drive away in tears as she only wants the best family for her baby. However, she soon realizes that Vanessa is the best bet she has, and she writes a note saying “If you’re in, so am I.” This ends with Vanessa adopting the child independently of Mark — and deepening her own bond with Juno.
The climactic ending is a heartfelt one, as Juno goes into labor and does not tell Paulie because of his track meet. Yet, Paulie knew. He noticed that she was not cheering for him at the bleachers, and instinctively knew that his baby was being born. Paulie rushes to her side, and a baby boy is born. Juno eventually gives him up to Vanessa, and she finally reconciles with Paulie. The ending is profound, as it shows her and Paulie being what they are: kids. Just some kids playing guitar and laughing together. This movie highlights the immense maturity of the main character — from start to finish. She demonstrates a strength that many would not have in her situation at all, and we learn to love her stubborn and empathetic character.
While watching the movie, Sadie and I were commenting on it in bursts, and I hadn’t seen it then, but Juno is a lot like her. After Sadie passed away on January 6th, 2023, I would fondly look back at the character of Juno and be reminded of her strength, her compassion and her grace. So it all comes to a full-circle moment as I rewatch it for the 14th time, and approximately 2 years since Sadie Quinn’s untimely passing. I came to realize the profoundness of art — movies such as Juno, books, paintings and music are more than just mediums to be enjoyed. They connect us to other people. They teach us to love and reminisce. As time races onto whatever’s next, I implore my readers to introspect and appreciate the people in your lives and to connect with them in meaningful ways, because one day you might just be left with remnants of who they are.
Asfi Tias is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at atias@cornellsun.com.
