Three to Tango 1999

As architects, Oscar Novak and Peter Steinberg find themselves presented with an extraordinary opportunity to design an opulent cultural center for the influential businessman, Charles Newman. However, their journey quickly spirals into a series of misunderstandings and comedic mishaps. Unbeknownst to Oscar and Peter, Newman has devised a publicity stunt that positions them against their former colleagues, the esteemed Decker and Strauss. Upon their introduction, Newman mistakenly believes that Oscar and Peter are in a romantic relationship, an assumption that proves particularly challenging for straight Oscar, while Peter openly embraces his sexuality.

Under this humorous misconception that Oscar is also gay, Newman tasks him with monitoring his mistress, Amy, preventing her from becoming too friendly with his wife, Olivia. As Oscar spends time with Amy, he is captivated by her charm but struggles with his emotions, as she remains blissfully unaware of his true feelings, convinced of his presumed homosexuality. To avoid any professional fallout, Oscar increasingly feels the pressure to maintain this charade of a same-sex relationship.

The hilarity escalates as a tabloid article incorrectly asserts that Oscar and Peter are a couple, leading Oscar to fend off advances from curious admirers while attempting to convince his friends and family that it’s all a ruse. Compounded by the situation, Amy attempts to set Oscar up on a disastrous date with her ex-boyfriend, the football player Kevin Cartwright. Oscar cleverly navigates the awkwardness by claiming his heart lies elsewhere.

As Oscar and Peter’s affiliation with Newman strengthens, they ultimately secure the coveted commission for the cultural center. However, during the celebration, Oscar is struck with a shocking twist—he learns he is to be honored with the title of Gay Professional Man of the Year, a decision made by Newman in good intentions, but poorly timed right after the awards ceremony.

As tensions rise between Amy and Newman following a confrontation at the party, she seeks refuge with Oscar. They visit a local bar where Amy’s discomfort culminates in a real moment of connection with Oscar. However, frustrations erupt into a passionate disagreement, with Oscar bluntly asserting that Amy’s future with Newman is bleak. Amy counters his critique of her love life by pointing out Oscar’s own cowardice in dating, which results in a stormy exit, leaving Oscar to reflect on his regrets.

Days later, at the prestigious award ceremony, Oscar wrestles with his pretense but ultimately decides to shed the facade during his speech. He speaks candidly about the bravery required to be honest, even amidst pressure. His words resonate with the audience, culminating in thunderous applause when Oscar confesses his actual feelings for Amy and reveals his heterosexuality.

Yet, his moment of triumph is short-lived, as he is confronted by a furious Amy, who has just faced an altercation with Newman. While Oscar feels an amalgamation of regret and relief, Peter endearingly finds himself in an uncomfortable acceptance of a date with Kevin, indicating his own disinterest.

In a bold turn of events, back at the restaurant where Oscar and Amy first connected, she confronts Oscar about his deception. Following a mutual acknowledgment of feelings, they share a passionate kiss, igniting the possibility of true love between them.

As the narrative draws to a close, Olivia reveals to Newman that she has known the truth about Oscar all along, commending how well he and Peter navigated their charade. This revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of honesty and the importance of being true to oneself amidst life’s complexities.