Best Laid Plans 1999

A cigarette, still smoldering, carelessly falls onto a stack of papers, igniting them. In the quaint town of Tropico, Nevada, Nick (Alessandro Nivola) finds himself in a bar where he is joined by his college buddy Bryce (Josh Brolin). As they chat about their lives since college, reminiscing about old friends and discussing a risqué 1960s game centered on infidelity, the atmosphere is casual and lighthearted.

Suddenly, a striking young woman, Kathy (Reese Witherspoon), emerges from a cab, drawing Bryce’s attention. He glances her way as she passes by, his interest piqued. However, tension brews when, in the dead of night, Bryce frantically calls Nick, pleading for urgent help as he claims he’s in dire trouble.

Delayed by a brush fire on the roadside, Nick arrives at the opulent house where Bryce is house-sitting. Over drinks, Bryce reveals the shocking turn of events: after a night of drinking, Kathy had agreed to come back with him and now accuses him of rape. In a panic, Bryce confesses that he can’t fully remember the night, leaving him terrified that he cannot mount an adequate defense if it comes to legal action. His fear multiplies when he reveals that Kathy is still in the house—bound and gagged.

As Nick discovers Kathy in the basement, his sense of urgency escalates. He learns that she is not only taken against her will but also appears unharmed apart from a minor injury. The revelation that Kathy holds two conflicting IDs stirs concern; if one is false, it suggests she might be underage, embroiling Bryce in statutory rape allegations no matter the circumstances of that night.

Desperation escalates when Nick suggests an unconventional solution to ensuring Kathy’s silence, flipping the situation upside down in an attempt to manipulate her fears. Tension builds towards a grim confrontation as Nick realizes the precarious situation they all find themselves in.

The narrative shifts back in time, unveiling how Nick ended up in Tropico to care for his dying father, only to learn he’s inherited nothing but burdens: debts and a life insurance policy that won’t pay out. His only silver lining is his budding romance with Lissa, who he later learns is Kathy. Despite attempts to escape their dead-end lives, Nick becomes entangled in a risky burglary plan. This choice leads Nick down a fraught path, revealing the consequences of deceit and desperation.

As Nick tries to navigate his way through this tangled web, he finds he must rely on Bryce once again, whose own troubles lead to further complications. Their plan to manipulate Kathy for their benefit spirals out of control, and each character’s darker motives come to light. Amidst the chaos, not only emotions but allegiances are tested in a desperate race to reclaim control.

The gripping narrative comes to a climax when Nick must confront the harsh realities of his actions, facing both the terrible price of betrayal and his startling feelings toward Lissa. In a poignant final twist, he must balance the pull of a tempting, lucrative opportunity against the backdrop of compassion and genuine connection.

As they walk away from that diner, Nick and Lissa remain uncertain about their financial future, yet hopeful about their chance for reconciliation and a new start together. With their paths intertwined and the storm of past decisions lingering, the couple confronts the unknown, yet their bond illuminates the way forward.