The Best and the Brightest 2011

As the comedic adventure unfolds, we are introduced to Jeff (Neil Patrick Harris) and Sam (Bonnie Somerville), a devoted couple accompanied by their adorable five-year-old daughter, Beatrice. Eager for a new beginning, they decide to leave Delaware behind and venture to the bustling streets of New York City, all in pursuit of a better life and an exceptional education for their child. However, their exciting endeavor quickly transforms into a daunting challenge as they confront the cutthroat nature of the city’s educational system.

Determined to ensure that Beatrice secures a spot at a top school, Sam embarks on an ambitious quest, but she soon realizes that her timeline is tighter than anticipated. Out of sheer desperation, she seeks assistance from Sue Lemon (Amy Sedaris), a no-nonsense consultant known for her expertise in guiding parents like Jeff and Sam through the chaotic admissions process.

Initially, Sue is reluctant to take on their case, emphasizing the brevity of the timeline. However, Sam’s relentless commitment ultimately sways Sue, leading her to agree to help the couple navigate this tricky terrain in hopes of landing Beatrice in a prestigious institution. As part of their game plan, Sue concocts a ruse that requires Jeff to masquerade as a poet. Although he finds the idea preposterous, he reluctantly goes along, entertained by the absurdity of the situation, all to impress Katharine Heilmann (Jenna Stern), a key member of the school committee.

In preparation for the critical interview, Sam and Jeff arrange for Clark (Peter Serafinowicz), an old college buddy of Jeff’s, to look after Beatrice. Unbeknownst to them, Clark possesses a buoyant personality characterized by his proclivity for sharing risqué stories, easily leading to trouble, especially when a provocative chat printout makes its way into Jeff’s possession.

The day of reckoning arrives when Jeff and Sam face Katharine, who is captivated by what she perceives as Jeff’s original poetry, blissfully unaware of the truthful origins behind it. But just as everything seems to be going their way, an unforeseen incident involving Clark derails their admission aspirations.

Not one to give up easily, Sam, with support from Sue, devises an alternative strategy to curry favor with The Player (Christopher McDonald), a wealthy and influential figure at the helm of the school committee. This ignites a whirlwind of comedic hijinks filled with lies and deceptions that not only test Jeff and Sam’s bond but also compel them to assess the ramifications of their actions.

As Sam finds herself navigating a labyrinth of fabrications, she reaches a pivotal crossroads—will she pursue the dream life she’s yearned for, sacrificing her integrity in the process, or will she choose to return to Delaware as her authentic self? The decisions she faces will undoubtedly shape the future of her family, introducing a profound layer of significance amidst the light-hearted escapades.