Shopgirl

In the sweltering heat of 2003, Mirabelle Buttersfield (Claire Danes) led a life as predictable as the Vermont landscape she called home. By day, she meticulously curated the evening gloves counter at Saks Fifth Avenue's Beverly Hills flagship store, her existence a delicate balance of mundane routines and solemn responsibilities - futon furniture, an aging pickup truck, and a sizeable student loan ($39,452) looming large among them. The melancholy was tempered only by the occasional prescription refill of antidepressants.

But then, like an unexpected storm on the horizon, two men burst into Mirabelle's carefully constructed world, each bringing their own brand of chaos. Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman), a hapless graphic designer with a penchant for amplifiers and typographic tedium, stumbled into her life at a dingy laundromat. Mirabelle, desperate for meaningful connection, gave Jeremy a chance to prove himself, but their half-hearted courtship fizzled faster than a firework on a damp night. A disastrous date (they sat outside a theatre, staring blankly at the ticket booth) was followed by an underwhelming encounter that was mercifully interrupted by Mirabelle's curious cat.

Just as Jeremy's presence began to fade into the background like a worn-out sketch, Ray Porter (Steve Martin) swooped in, a whirlwind of suave sophistication and calculated charm. This older, wealthy logician, with his two sprawling mansions in LA and Seattle, wooed Mirabelle with a series of well-rehearsed dates, culminating in an evening that ended at his opulent estate. As the night wore on, Ray's calculated courting culminated in a passionate encounter, leaving Mirabelle breathless and besotted.

However, as their affair blossomed, Mirabelle and Ray began to interpret each other's intentions in vastly different ways. While Ray confided in his psychiatrist that he planned to see other people and that their relationship was doomed from the start (code for "I'll sleep with you when I'm in town"), Mirabelle convinced herself that Ray yearned to deepen their connection.

Meanwhile, Jeremy, still reeling from his failed attempts at winning Mirabelle's heart, found solace on the road as a roadie for the struggling band Hot Tears. As he traveled the country, he stumbled upon a world of self-improvement and relationship advice, which he eagerly adopted like a convert to a new faith. Little did he know that his journey would eventually intersect with Mirabelle's own odyssey of love, deception, and self-discovery.

As Mirabelle's infatuation with Ray intensifies, she becomes increasingly reliant on the lavish gifts he bestows upon her, such as the liberation from her student loan debt, rather than genuine emotional connection. When depression begins to overwhelm her, having ceased taking her antidepressants in favor of Ray's company, he takes her to see a doctor and provides tender care, further entrenching her dependence on him. Ray's indulgence reaches new heights when he whisks Mirabelle away on a trip to New York, where she is pampered at the prestigious Armani dress shop.

However, Ray's attention soon falters, and during a business trip, he reunites with his former flame Christie Richards (Rebecca Pidgeon), who makes no secret of her desire for him. Mirabelle's world shatters as Ray confesses their tryst, prompting her to end the relationship, abandon her trip to New York, and instead seek solace in the warmth and familiarity of her childhood home with her parents, Dan Buttersfield (Sam Bottoms) and Charlotte Buttersfield (Frances Conroy).

Ray's attempt at reconciliation is met with a cold shoulder when he calls Mirabelle and asks her to join him in New York. Instead of finding comfort, she feels out of place and overwhelmed at the grand party he takes her to, where she is surrounded by strangers. Back at their hotel room, Ray's advances are rebuffed as Mirabelle remains resolute in her decision to move on.

In California, Mirabelle stumbles upon Jeremy at an art show and allows herself to be swept up in his presence once more. Her co-worker Lisa (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) is suspicious of Mirabelle's new attire and mistakenly assumes Jeremy is Ray, following the pair back to their date location and attempting to reinsert herself into Mirabelle's life. Meanwhile, Jeremy's self-improvement becomes increasingly evident to those around him, but remains imperceptible to Mirabelle.

Lisa's seduction of Jeremy at her home leads to a moment of intimacy, while Mirabelle returns to Ray's side. In the morning, Ray delivers a devastating blow when he announces his plans to upgrade to a larger house in anticipation of starting a family and meeting someone new. As Mirabelle reels from this revelation, Jeremy calls Lisa, only to discover that she has no interest in him, having mistaken him for Ray all along, and is fixated on securing her affections with the wealthy Ray Porter.

As Mirabelle puts the past behind her, she makes the bold decision to bid farewell to the glamour of Saks and instead takes on a new role as a receptionist at an art gallery. This move serves as a liberating chapter in her life, allowing her to rediscover herself and find solace in the creative realm. Jeremy, sensing the newfound freedom and confidence emanating from Mirabelle, makes a concerted effort to win her back, this time with genuine intentions and a deepened understanding of her soul.

Their romance blossoms, a stark contrast to the tumultuous relationship she shared with Ray (character). The art gallery becomes a hub of activity as Mirabelle's own artistic talents are showcased in an exhibition, drawing Jeremy's admiration and pride. Meanwhile, Ray makes his appearance at the opening, accompanied by his new partner, a gynecologist. It's clear that Jeremy is beaming with pride as he watches Mirabelle bask in her moment of triumph.

In a poignant turn of events, Ray appears to reflect on the depth of his earlier mistakes and the pain they caused Mirabelle. He tenderly apologizes for his past transgressions, acknowledging that he did indeed love her. Mirabelle's countenance betrays a deep emotional response to Ray's admission, and she finds solace in Jeremy's loving embrace. As the newly formed couple watches the heartwarming scene unfold, Ray can't help but remark on the loss he feels, despite having kept Mirabelle at arm's length to avoid the inevitable ache of their breakup. This introspective moment serves as a poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of love and relationships.