Always Be My Maybe 2019

Sasha, portrayed by Ali Wong, and Marcus, played by Randall Park, share a deep bond as childhood next-door neighbors and best friends in San Francisco. Their friendship blossoms during frequent dinners at Marcus’s house, especially since Sasha’s parents are often absent. With Marcus’s mother teaching Sasha the art of cooking, their connection grows stronger. However, tragedy strikes when Marcus loses his mother during their teenage years, leading them to become even closer in a moment of vulnerability that results in losing their virginity to each other in the back of Marcus’s car. Just after this pivotal event, Marcus reveals his intention to skip college, which triggers a heated argument amidst his emotional turmoil. Feeling hurt and betrayed, Sasha storms off, and they cease all contact.

Fast forward to the present, and Sasha has become a renowned chef in Los Angeles, engaged to restaurateur Daniel Dae Kim. However, when Brandon lands an exciting opportunity to tour with the esteemed Jose Andres, he suggests a six-month break in their engagement. Although Sasha pretends to accept this arrangement, she is torn apart inside and decides to return to San Francisco to open her new restaurant. Back in her hometown, her supportive friend and assistant, Michelle Buteau, hires Marcus and his father, James Saito, to install the air conditioning at her new residence. This leads to an awkward but emotional reunion between Sasha and Marcus, who has remained in his hometown, balancing his job with working in a band.

The two rekindle old feelings as Marcus invites Sasha to one of his shows. Shortly after, Marcus’s eccentric girlfriend, Vivian Bang, insists on preparing a peculiar dinner for Sasha, leading to another ride home in the very car tied to their first experience. Meanwhile, upon speaking with Brandon, Sasha makes the tough decision to break off their engagement. As Sasha and Marcus start spending more time together, she expresses her intent to start dating again. During a wrap party catering event, she meets someone who is never fully disclosed to the audience, and chaos ensues when she proposes a double date that shockingly involves none other than the quirky Keanu Reeves. As tensions rise during a game back at Keanu’s place – where Sasha admits to having had a crush on Marcus all along – the situation escalates to a physical altercation between Marcus and Keanu. Clearly irritated by the drama, Sasha decides to leave, but Marcus’s feelings for her continue to simmer beneath the surface.

Their unresolved emotions explode during a tumultuous Uber ride home, resulting in yet another kiss and subsequent night together. They begin dating, attending art exhibits and red carpet events, but the glamor soon begins to wear on Marcus, who finds himself longing for authenticity beyond the spotlight. As Sasha prepares to launch her new restaurant in New York, Marcus is conflicted but joins her as they navigate their feelings for one another. A pivotal argument reveals deeper insecurities, causing Sasha to leave broken-hearted.

Later, Marcus confronts the reality of his father’s newfound relationship, leading him to realize it’s he who hasn’t truly moved on from his mother’s death. After a drunken mishap at a band gig, Marcus hits rock bottom and recognizes his need to change. Fortuitously, when Sasha’s restaurant opens in San Francisco, he discovers her love and support manifested in her purchasing all of his band’s merchandise. Empowered by this realization, Marcus makes a grand gesture, following Sasha to New York, where he professes his feelings for her at a prestigious award ceremony. He offers to embrace her role rather than step back from it, exemplified by his request to hold her purse, which signifies that he’s ready to stand by her side.

As a heartwarming finale, the film concludes with all the characters joyfully attending the grand opening of Sasha’s New York restaurant, a tribute to her late mother’s kimchi, symbolizing a new beginning intertwining love, friendship, and dreams fulfilled.