Drinking Buddies 2013

As the daily routine unfolds at Revolution Brewing, co-workers Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson) find themselves lost in a haze of camaraderie and flirtation, their relationships with Chris (Ron Livingston) and Jill (Anna Kendrick), respectively, mere afterthoughts. Unbeknownst to the couple, they are both stuck in cycles of complacency, Kate’s relationship with Chris marked by monotony, while Luke’s engagement to Jill hangs precariously in limbo.

As they go about their duties – Kate handling phone calls and Luke brewing beer – their conversations hint at a deeper connection. They share lunch, agreeing to meet up with colleagues after work, but little do they know that this outing will set the stage for a series of events that will forever alter their lives.

That fateful night, as the group gathers at the bar, Jill’s arrival serves as a harbinger of the chaos that is to come. Later, Kate finds herself alone at her boyfriend’s apartment, where she’s treated to dinner and a copy of Rabbit, Run – an unexpected gift that hints at a growing unease in their relationship.

The brewery party, marked by Chris’s invitation to his family’s cottage, proves to be the catalyst for a series of events that will leave no one unscathed. As Jill and Chris embark on a hike that ends in a kiss, Kate and Luke find themselves increasingly isolated from the rest of the group. Their own bond grows stronger, fueled by late-night conversations and bonfires on the beach.

The trip’s aftermath sees Chris ending his relationship with Kate, who then embarks on a journey of self-discovery, culminating in a night of revelry that ends with her sleeping with Dave, a co-worker. Luke’s reaction to this news is immediate and intense – he’s consumed by anger and resentment – but eventually, he apologizes for his behavior.

As Jill takes a break from the drama, embarking on a solo trip with college friends, Kate and Luke seize the opportunity to deepen their connection. A chance encounter leads them to spend an evening together, followed by a day of cleaning out Kate’s old apartment and preparing for a new chapter in her life. As they collapse onto the bed, exhausted but at peace, it becomes clear that their friendship has blossomed into something more – a realization that will forever change the course of their lives.

As the morning sunshine casts its warm glow on their newly minted living space, Luke extends an invitation to Kate for a celebratory dinner, only to have his enthusiasm tempered by a sudden and unfortunate mishap. While assisting her with the couch relocation, he suffers a gash on his hand, prompting a display of squeamishness from Kate as she recoils at the sight of blood. The tension is momentarily disrupted by an irate driver stuck behind the moving van, who unleashes a barrage of insults at Luke, culminating in a heated exchange that leaves our protagonist sporting a fat lip. Frustrated and feeling snubbed, Kate calls upon her colleagues Dave and (insert name) to complete the move, while simultaneously accepting Dave’s invitation for an evening out on the town. The news falls like a lead balloon on Luke, who reacts with annoyance as their dinner date dissolves into thin air.

Meanwhile, at home, Luke is confronted by the unexpected return of Jill, her eyes red and puffy from crying. As she confesses to sharing a passionate kiss with Chris during their getaway, she expresses profound guilt over what transpired and reiterates her deep devotion to Luke, declaring her desire to spend forever with him. Moved by her words and willing to forgive, Luke affirms his own undying love for Jill and his readiness to take the next step in their relationship.

As the office hums back into action, Kate and Luke are forced to navigate an awkward encounter, their usually seamless rapport now strained. However, they eventually find common ground over lunch, with each sharing a meal item as a tentative smile slowly spreads across their faces. As they clink glasses and take a sip of beer together, the air is filled with the possibility of new beginnings and fresh starts.