Drinking Buddies 2013

Kate, played by Olivia Wilde, and Luke, portrayed by Jake M. Johnson, navigate their lives as co-workers at a vibrant Chicago craft brewery, Revolution Brewing. Their chemistry is undeniable as they spend their days sipping beers and playfully flirting while managing their respective roles — Luke works behind the scenes with the brewing machinery, while Kate oversees customer relations in the front office. Despite their perfect compatibility — sharing food, finishing each other’s sentences, and enjoying each other’s presence — they both find themselves tied to other partners. Kate is in a relationship with Chris, played by Ron Livingston, while Luke is engaged to Jill, characterized by Anna Kendrick, whose desire to discuss marriage weighs heavily on Luke’s mind.

As their working days blend into personal outings, the pair agrees to go out for drinks after work with their brewery team. An unexpected twist occurs when Luke’s fiancée, Jill, makes an appearance at the bar. Later, Kate rides her bike to the apartment of her socially awkward, yet kind-hearted boyfriend, Chris, where they share a quiet evening.

In stark contrast, Jill’s organized nature contrasts with Kate’s spontaneity, as Chris, who dislikes beer and is particular about table manners, is less aligned with Kate’s free spirit. At the brewery’s anniversary celebration, Chris extends an invitation for a weekend trip to his family’s cabin, where he and Jill embark on an adventure that includes a long hike and an innocent picnic, culminating in a kiss. Meanwhile, Kate and Luke revel in their freedom, engaging in ridiculous fun like playing blackjack and toying with their food.

After their return, the atmosphere remains charged as Chris becomes increasingly oblivious to Kate’s feelings, leaving her feeling isolated. In a moment of vulnerability, Luke offers Kate a chance to connect, which leads to a spontaneous and liberating skinny-dipping experience at the beach. However, the reality of Kate and Chris’s strained relationship comes to a head when they break up, propelling Kate into a night of heavy drinking with her coworkers. Luke, concerned for her, tries to reach out but finds her unreceptive, exacerbating the tension between them.

Following a reckless night, Kate’s choice to sleep with a co-worker, Dave, ignites Luke’s jealousy and frustration, leading to an intense confrontation. Their dynamic shifts yet again when Jill plans a getaway with friends, allowing Luke to deepen his connection with Kate during an intimate dinner and moving day. Their intimacy grows as they help each other through the transition, though miscommunications mar their budding romance.

However, after an unfortunate incident involving a moving van and an angry driver that leaves Luke in a less-than-ideal state, Kate’s reliance on Dave for assistance stirs conflict, paving the way for a fierce argument between her and Luke. Upon returning home, Luke finds that Jill has reconciled her emotions, admitting to a kiss with Chris, yet Luke’s feelings for her remain intact.

The next day, the intimacy between Kate and Luke reignites when they share lunch, reminiscing about their earlier camaraderie. As they once again offer each other bites of their food, laughter breaks the tension, culminating in them sharing a beer, suggesting that their story is far from over.