Anyone But You 2023
Directed by
Will Gluck
Made by
Fifty-Fifty Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Anyone But You (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
While on a quest to secure a restroom key in a bustling coffee shop, law student Bea, portrayed by Sydney Sweeney, has a chance encounter with Ben, played by Glen Powell, an employee at Goldman Sachs. Faced with a long line and frustrated by the shop’s policy, Bea finds herself in a tricky situation until Ben steps in, pretending to be her husband to help her get the key.
From their very first conversation, the chemistry between Bea and Ben is clear, leading them to spend an unforgettable day together that surprisingly concludes with them falling asleep on Ben’s couch. However, when Bea leaves the next morning without waking him, regret soon follows as she decides to return. Unfortunately, she overhears Ben making hurtful comments about her to his friend Pete, played by GaTa.
This cruel revelation devastates Ben, who feels betrayed by Bea’s abrupt departure. He reflects on a meaningful gift from his mother, a colossal wrench that symbolizes repair and fixing things that feel broken—a metaphor for his feelings. Meanwhile, Pete insists that Ben is falling for Bea.
As time passes, six months go by without contact until fate intervenes when Bea’s sister Halle, beautifully played by Hadley Robinson, begins a relationship with Pete’s sister Claudia, portrayed by Alexandra Shipp. Their reunion is tense, with both Bea and Ben feeling resentment towards each other for their fractured past.
While preparing for a wedding in Sydney planned by Halle and Claudia, Bea, having broken up with her fiancé Jonathan (Darren Barnet) and secretly left law school, is aghast to discover that she and Ben are on the same flight to Australia and will be staying at the same house in the lead-up to the celebrations. The anticipation builds as they face not only each other but also their exes, Jonathan and Margaret, played by Charlee Fraser.
Chaos ensues at the wedding preparations, particularly when Bea and Ben’s enmity comes to a head, causing mayhem that leads to the destruction of wedding decorations and even Halle’s hair! Concerned about the impending chaos, Claudia fears that Bea and Ben will ruin their special day. The stakes rise as their parents try to orchestrate a reunion between Bea and Jonathan, while the guests conspire to bring Bea and Ben back together.
They eventually strike a deal to pretend to be a couple to provoke jealousy from others and deter their families from meddling. Ben eventually expresses regret over his past words and actions, trying to mend the rift between them. As they attempt to showcase their relationship, their efforts meet with mixed responses until a boat party where they share an intimate dance, evoking “Titanic” vibes, resulting in Bea accidentally falling into Sydney Harbour.
During a vulnerable moment while awaiting rescue, Bea reveals her struggles, including her departure from law school and breakup with Jonathan. Ben admits his feelings of hurt from Bea’s earlier actions. Their emotional connection deepens, leading to a night of passion together, but uncertainty creeps back in when Bea expresses regrets over her choices.
On the morning of the wedding, drama unfolds as Margaret asks Bea for permission to pursue Ben again, leaving Bea feeling conflicted. After moments of tension, Ben decides to chase after Bea when he sees her upset, realizing that Margaret is not who he wants anymore. He risks it all by jumping into the ocean to reach her.
In an emotional climax at the Opera House, Ben finds Bea and candidly confesses his fears about their relationship, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation. They return to the wedding reception together, where the orchestrated drama unfolds and reveals Halle and Claudia’s cunning plan to reunite them. The series of events ultimately leads to Jonathan and Margaret getting together as well, wrapping up a turbulent but transformative journey for all involved.
Timeline
Track the key events of Anyone But You (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Restroom Key Incident
In a bustling coffee shop, law student Bea finds herself in a frustrating predicament as she desperately seeks a restroom key. Her situation becomes a little brighter when Ben, an employee at Goldman Sachs, steps in and pretends to be her husband to help her navigate the long line and secure the much-needed access.
Unforgettable Day Together
After their initial meet-cute, Bea and Ben strike up an instant chemistry that leads them to spend an enchanting day together. Their connection deepens, culminating in the unexpected intimacy of falling asleep on Ben’s couch by the day's end.
Morning Regret
The next morning, Bea sneaks out of Ben’s apartment without waking him, leading to a feeling of regret that soon creeps in. Her decision to leave without a proper goodbye sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows.
Hurtful Overhear
When Bea decides to return to Ben, she accidentally overhears him making hurtful comments about her to his friend Pete. This betrayal leaves her devastated and marks a painful turning point in their budding relationship.
Ben's Reflection
Devastated by Bea's sudden departure and his own hurtful words, Ben reflects on a significant gift from his mother, a colossal wrench representing the need for repair. This moment highlights his internal struggle and sets the tone for his feelings moving forward.
Six-Month Silence
For the next six months, Bea and Ben go without any contact, allowing unresolved feelings and resentment to fester. This silence contributes to their complicated emotions when fate inevitably brings them back together.
Sisters' Relationship
Unexpectedly, Bea's sister Halle starts dating Pete's sister Claudia, leading to a tense reunion between Bea and Ben. Their unresolved feelings from the past are palpable, creating an awkward atmosphere as they prepare for an upcoming wedding.
Flight to Australia
Bea, who has recently broken off her engagement to Jonathan and left law school, is shocked to find herself on the same flight to Australia as Ben. To make matters worse, they discover they will be staying in the same house leading up to Halle and Claudia's wedding.
Wedding Preparations Chaos
As the wedding preparations unfold, tensions peak between Bea and Ben, leading to chaos that results in destroyed decorations and Halle’s hair mishap. Concerns arise among those involved about whether their animosity will ruin the special occasion.
Pretend Relationship
In a strategic move, Bea and Ben agree to pretend to be a couple to provoke jealousy from their exes and deter their families from trying to rekindle past romances. This arrangement illustrates the complexity of their feelings as they navigate the charade.
Boat Party Dance
During a boat party, Bea and Ben share an intimate dance that evokes classic movie vibes, enhancing their connection. However, a mishap causes Bea to fall into Sydney Harbour, leading to revealing confessions as they await rescue.
Emotional Confessions
While waiting to be rescued, Bea opens up about her struggles with leaving law school and breaking off her engagement with Jonathan. In turn, Ben shares his feelings of hurt, leading to a deep emotional connection just before they share a night of passion.
Morning of Wedding Drama
On the wedding morning, Margaret confronts Bea, asking for permission to pursue Ben again, which leaves Bea feeling conflicted and uncertain about her feelings. This moment heightens the tension between the characters as they approach the wedding.
Ben's Risky Pursuit
Realizing that Margaret does not hold his heart, Ben takes a leap of faith by jumping into the ocean in pursuit of Bea, determined to express his true feelings. This act of bravery signifies his willingness to risk everything for a chance at love.
Heartfelt Reconciliation
In an emotionally charged moment at the iconic Opera House, Ben courageously confesses his fears about their relationship to Bea. Their heartfelt discussion leads to a genuine reconciliation, setting the stage for their return to the wedding reception together.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Anyone But You (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bea
Bea is a law student who embodies strength and vulnerability. After a chance encounter with Ben, her life takes unexpected turns as she grapples with her feelings and life choices. Her character illustrates the struggle between pursuing personal happiness and fulfilling societal expectations.
Ben
Ben is an employee at Goldman Sachs, characterized by his charm and impulsive nature. His journey reveals layers of regret and emotional depth, especially regarding his first interactions with Bea and the way he reacts to feelings of betrayal. Ben's character evolves as he confronts his past and learns to express vulnerability.
Halle
Halle is Bea's supportive sister, who plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Bea and Ben. Her character introduces a comedic yet sincere perspective on love and relationships, providing essential support during chaotic moments. Halle’s growth reflects the importance of familial bonds.
Pete
Pete is Ben's friend who often provides comic relief and insights into Ben's emotions. He encourages Ben to confront his feelings for Bea, acting as both an ally and a voice of reason amidst the chaos of relationships. Pete's character is pivotal in highlighting themes of friendship and loyalty.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Anyone But You (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present Day
The film unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting the complexities of modern relationships and the impact of social interactions in the digital age. The narrative reflects on themes of love, betrayal, and growth within the fast-paced, ever-connected world we live in today.
Location
Sydney
Sydney is a vibrant and bustling metropolis known for its iconic Sydney Opera House and beautiful Harbour. The city serves as a backdrop for significant moments in the movie, particularly around wedding celebrations and emotional confrontations. It's a place where personal journeys intertwine against the lively atmosphere of a multicultural urban landscape.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Anyone But You (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Regret
Love and regret are central themes in the movie, as Bea and Ben navigate their tumultuous relationship marked by misunderstandings and emotional turmoil. Their journey highlights how past decisions can haunt one's present, leading to growth and healing through honest communication. This theme resonates strongly as they explore the depths of their feelings during crucial moments.
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Deception
Deception plays a vital role in the narrative, with characters pretending to be in a relationship to manipulate perceptions and elicit jealousy. This element introduces both comedic and dramatic situations, showcasing how misunderstandings can lead to chaotic yet transformative experiences. The characters’ attempts to deceive themselves and each other ultimately lead to deeper truths and reconciliation.
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Self-Discovery
The journey of self-discovery is crucial for Bea and Ben, as they confront their past choices and personal insecurities. Through pivotal moments, particularly at the Opera House, both characters learn to embrace their vulnerabilities and redefine what they truly want from life and love. This theme emphasizes personal growth amid chaos and emotional upheaval.
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