What Happens Later is a 2023 American romantic comedy that reunites two former partners, Willa and Bill, after a chance meeting leaves them snowed in overnight at a small regional airport.
The film is written and directed by Meg Ryan — her second feature as director after 2015’s Ithaca, and her first film back as an actor since that release. It’s adapted from Steven Dietz’s 2008 stage play Shooting Star, with a screenplay by Ryan, Dietz, and Kirk Lynn. Ryan also stars as Willa opposite David Duchovny as Bill, playing exes who spend one snowbound night working through old history and wondering whether their reunion is coincidence or something more.
Like the genre’s most memorable two-handers, the film leans almost entirely on Ryan and Duchovny’s chemistry, playing out inside the walls of one snowed-in airport overnight, narrated by a cryptic, omniscient airport announcer.
Quick Facts
| Title | What Happens Later |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy |
| Director | Meg Ryan |
| Composer | David Boman |
| Starring | Meg Ryan, David Duchovny |
| Release Date | November 3, 2023 (United States) |
| Distributor/Platform | Bleecker Street (theatrical) |
| Where to Stream (2026) | Hulu and Netflix; also available to rent/buy on Prime Video and Apple TV |
Release Date of What Happens Later
What Happens Later was originally set for an October 13, 2023 theatrical release, but distributor Bleecker Street pushed the date back to avoid opening opposite Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, the concert film that had claimed the October 13 date and was dominating theaters that fall. What Happens Later ultimately opened in U.S. theaters on November 3, 2023, and went on to a mixed critical reception and a limited box office run of roughly $3 million before moving to digital and streaming platforms.
Composer of What Happens Later Soundtrack
David Boman composed the film’s score. Boman is a Los Angeles-based composer and multi-instrumentalist whose credits include Moonshot and Wyrm. Sony Masterworks released the official soundtrack digitally alongside the film on November 3, 2023.
What Happens Later Original Soundtrack
The soundtrack is available on Apple Music and Amazon, where you can listen to the entire album of songs and score.
Here’s the complete list of the What Happens Later Soundtrack:
- Two Snowflakes
- Welcome Travelers
- The One and Only
- Trip or Journey?
- Worried We’re Lost
- Why We Broke Up
- So Many Questions
- Write It In Your Shoe
- Unsustainable
- Your Smile on Another Face
- Time Will Tell…
- The Universe Doesn’t Text
- Bring That Back
- All Cleaned Up
- We Are Ridiculous
- Not a Trip, a Journey
- Got Your Power Back
- Bye For Now
- You Learn – The Streamline Modernes
- My Favorite Mistake – Sage
- We Will Not Be Lovers – The Brentwood Hellows
- Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover – Luscious Bandit
- Learning to Fly – The Four Words
Additional Music of What Happens Later Soundtrack
- Pure – The Lightning Seeds: The English band’s 1989 single “Pure,” from their debut album Cloudcuckooland, is featured in the film. The song’s genre is Alternative/Indie, Rock.
Where to Stream What Happens Later (2026)
What Happens Later is available to stream on Hulu and Netflix, and can be rented or purchased digitally on Prime Video and Apple TV.
You can also watch the official trailer of the film on YouTube below.
(External Link: What Happens Later Soundtrack)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the What Happens Later soundtrack?
David Boman composed the score; the soundtrack album also features licensed songs performed by The Streamline Modernes, Sage, The Brentwood Hellows, Luscious Bandit, and The Four Words.
When was What Happens Later released?
It opened in U.S. theaters on November 3, 2023, after being moved from an original October 13 date to avoid Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.
Who stars in What Happens Later?
Meg Ryan and David Duchovny star as former partners Willa and Bill; Ryan also directed and co-wrote the film.
Is What Happens Later based on a book or play?
It’s adapted from Steven Dietz’s 2008 stage play Shooting Star, with a screenplay by Ryan, Dietz, and Kirk Lynn.
Where can I stream What Happens Later?
It’s available on Hulu and Netflix, and available to rent or buy on Prime Video and Apple TV.
What song plays a key role in What Happens Later?
The Lightning Seeds’ 1989 single “Pure,” from their album Cloudcuckooland, is featured in the film.
Related reading: Movie Soundtracks, Hulu, and Streaming Guides.