Second Act 2018

Maya Vargas, portrayed by Jennifer Lopez, is on the verge of turning 40. Living in Queens, New York, she works as an assistant manager at a value grocery store, a position she has held for the past 15 years. Throughout her career, she has implemented several successful initiatives, including the inspired “Monday Momz” program. Her boyfriend, Trey, and her best friend, Joan, are both confident that she’ll finally receive a promotion to manager. Thus, Maya is left heartbroken when she finds out that the position goes to an external hire, Arthur, instead, simply because she never attended college.

During a surprise birthday celebration, Maya reflects on her life and expresses disappointment over her unfulfilled dreams. She shares her deepest birthday wish with Joan and her godson, Dilly, that she could have experienced a more exciting life, perhaps attending a prestigious school. Later, grappling with a frustrating work environment under Arthur, Maya learns from Joan that Dilly—a tech whiz about to head to Stanford—has set up interviews for her at the well-known conglomerate Franklin and Clarke as a gift. Although skeptical, Maya takes the opportunity, only to be startled when she gets called to meet Anderson Clarke, played by Treat Williams.

Anderson is taken aback by Maya’s impressive resume, which boasts experiences from Harvard, Wharton, charity work, and even the Peace Corps. In disbelief yet intrigued, Maya plays along. Anderson introduces her to his daughter, Zoe, who initially treats Maya with skepticism. When Anderson inquires about their product lines, Maya candidly critiques their beauty products, unsettling Zoe. Despite her confusion, Maya finds herself unexpectedly offered a consulting position, but struggles with the idea since her interview was built on a lie. Joan reassures her, emphasizing that she earned the job on her own merit.

As Maya begins her new role, she faces hurdles, including a breakup with Trey—who desires a family, a topic Maya is hesitant to discuss. Adjusting to her new corporate life, Maya is tasked with revamping their beauty line and insists on creating entirely natural products, while Zoe argues for minor updates to their existing lines. This leads to a competitive challenge between teams to develop a new product within ten weeks. With her new gig comes a glamorous wardrobe and a lavish apartment, but Joan pushes Maya to come to terms with her past, especially the infant she gave up for adoption when she was a teenager.

An awkward moment occurs during a company rowing event where Maya inadvertently causes a boat crash, though Anderson takes it lightly. Meanwhile, she misuses her language skills at a dinner which leads to comedic chaos, but eventually, Zoe shows her softer side and offers Maya access to valuable research data. The plot thickens when Maya discovers that Zoe is her daughter, which ignites a heartfelt bond between them. They navigate their complex past together, with Maya encouraging Zoe to pursue her artistic dreams, and Anderson reveals he sought out Maya hoping to connect with Zoe.

As the story unfolds, Maya conceptualizes an innovative all-in-one product, igniting her drive to succeed. The company’s Christmas party brings unexpected romantic advances between her co-workers Ariana and Chase, cutting through the workplace tension. However, when the truth about Maya’s fabricated credentials is on the verge of exposure, she makes a bold decision to disclose everything during a presentation, apologizing to Anderson and Zoe, yet declaring that her life-transforming opportunity stemmed from that very lie.

In the aftermath, Maya, feeling the weight of her decision, resigns and faces hurt from Zoe, who accuses her of abandoning her once again. Though their relationship seems shattered, Maya emphasizes that honesty is crucial for any bond. A year later, Maya has successfully turned “Monday Momz” into a thriving business and app, employing Joan and others from her previous job. Trey revisits, pledging to rebuild their trust, and asks about starting a family, to which Maya affirms that her real family is the one they’ve created together.

In a touching conclusion, Zoe returns home after finishing school in London. Maya seeks to rekindle their relationship, and after a moment of hesitation, Zoe agrees, leading them to take a step forward together, literally.