Down to You 2000

As college sophomore Al (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and freshman Imogen (Julia Stiles) navigate the vibrant landscape of New York City, their chance encounter at a bar blossoms into a romantic connection. Imogen’s friend Lana (Rosario Dawson) is often by her side as she and Al explore each other’s interests, from dancing under the city lights to engaging in playful fake therapy sessions that reveal their deepest desires and fears.

As their relationship deepens, Al finds himself swept up in Imogen’s artistic world, marveling at her vibrant paintings of album covers and admiring her passion for art. The couple’s bond grows stronger as they share stories about each other’s dating histories, and before long, they’re inseparable, with Al even meeting Imogen’s parents, Ray and Judy (Lucie Arnaz), who warmly welcome him into their fold.

As the three-month mark approaches, it becomes clear that this is a first love for both Al and Imogen. To celebrate Al’s birthday, Imogen organizes an exclusive art gallery showing, culminating in a romantic milestone for the pair. This heady honeymoon phase is filled with laughter, adventure, and a sense of limitless possibility.

However, cracks begin to form when Al’s roommate Monk (Zak Orth), a former MIT student turned adult film actor and director, shares his cynical views on love with Al. Monk’s provocative words are echoed by his co-star Cyrus (Selma Blair), an enigmatic figure who flirts shamelessly with Al. As Al seeks guidance from Monk, he’s forced to confront the harsh realities of relationships.

When Al loses a bet and must participate in one of Monk’s films, tensions rise between him and Imogen, who’s eager to spend quality time together before departing for France (in just two weeks) for the summer. Al ultimately prioritizes his relationship with Imogen, abandoning the film shoot to spend the night with her.

As their love reaches new heights, Al is convinced that this is a love that will last forever. But little does he know, Imogen’s experiences in France will have a profound impact on her perspective, leading to subtle changes in her behavior upon her return. The seeds of doubt are sown, leaving the future of their relationship hanging precariously in the balance.

As Chef Ray (Henry Winkler) enthusiastically proposes a reality TV show featuring father-son culinary adventures, Al’s own aspirations as a French cuisine chef are put on the backburner. Ray envisions a thrilling road trip where they would whip up mouth-watering meals for unsuspecting families, all while sharing cooking secrets and cultural insights. However, Al is more interested in honing his skills in the kitchen, much to Ray’s dismay.

Meanwhile, Al’s relationship with Imogen is on shaky ground. In an effort to rekindle their romance, he organizes a picturesque picnic in the countryside. The drive back, however, takes a sobering turn when Imogen crashes the car after consuming too much to drink. This near-miss serves as a wake-up call for the couple, and they make a conscious effort to strengthen their bond. Despite appearances of happiness, Monk’s ominous predictions hint at an impending breakup.

As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Al struggles with feelings of emasculation when Imogen declines his advances one night. His subconscious retaliates by conjuring up a fantasy involving Cyrus, leaving him feeling conflicted and vulnerable. Imogen, meanwhile, harbors concerns about her reproductive health, only to discover she’s not pregnant – but this revelation further strains their relationship.

At Monk’s latest soiree, Cyrus makes a bold move to seduce Al, but he politely declines. The atmosphere remains charged as Imogen becomes increasingly entwined with musician Jim (Ashton Kutcher), agreeing to design his album cover. This collaboration sparks heated arguments between the couple, culminating in Imogen’s tearful departure and her subsequent decision to relocate to San Francisco for school.

Al graduates but finds himself mired in depression, feeling abandoned by his friends, including Monk, who is now preoccupied with his writing career. Al’s isolation eventually gives way to a string of casual relationships, including one with Cyrus – until she leaves, leaving him feeling unfulfilled and lost. In a desperate attempt to purge his lingering feelings for Imogen, Al engages in a harebrained stunt involving her shampoo, resulting in an unexpected hospital visit.

As a morale-boosting gesture, Al’s parents host an unforgettable gathering, inviting his closest friends to join in the revelry. In the midst of merriment, Monk extends a heartfelt apology to Al, marking the beginning of their friendship’s redemption arc. Amidst the laughter and chatter, Imogen makes a surprise appearance, her presence sparking a warm reunion as they reconnect over shared memories. It’s not long before she reveals that she’s now a talented cover artist for a prominent San Francisco-based book publisher, her portfolio featuring a stunning depiction of herself and Al in love on the cover of a novel titled Down to You. As the old flames of their romance reignite, Imogen confesses that she’s been pining for him all along, leaving little doubt about her true feelings. With their second chance at love finally within reach, Al decides to take a bold step by accepting a position at an esteemed four-star restaurant in San Francisco, where he orchestrates a romantic evening of unparalleled elegance, leaving Imogen utterly enchanted and eager to start anew with the one she loves.