Directed by
Nicole Holofcener
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Eva, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is a dedicated masseuse and a single mother to a teenage girl. One evening, she attends a vibrant party in Pacific Palisades along with her friends, the married couple Will and Sarah, portrayed by Ben Falcone and Toni Collette respectively. It is during this gathering that she encounters the intriguing poet Marianne, brought to life by Catherine Keener. Will introduces her to his friends Jason and Albert, the latter played by James Gandolfini.
After the party, Albert surprisingly requests Eva’s number. Although she feels uncertain due to a lack of strong physical attraction, she decides to give him a chance and agrees to a dinner date, which turns out to be more enjoyable than expected. As time passes, Eva starts to feel a deepening affection for Albert. Their relationship evolves as they share lunch with his teenage daughter, Tess, who, much like Eva’s own daughter, is preparing to transition to college.
Things take an interesting turn when Eva visits Marianne for a massage and learns that Albert is, in fact, Marianne’s ex-husband. This revelation comes after Marianne recounts a quirky tale about Albert’s love for guacamole, a story eerily similar to one Eva has heard from him. The plot thickens when Tess appears, confirming Eva’s suspicions. Despite Marianne’s attempts to introduce Eva to Tess, Eva hides behind a tree, apprehensive about the awkward intersection of their lives.
Eva encourages Marianne to vent about her past with Albert, serving as a cathartic exercise for both women, while simultaneously placing herself in a precarious position. At the insistence of Sarah and Will, they host a dinner party for both Eva and Albert, which takes a turn for the worse when Eva’s criticisms of Albert enrages him. The tension escalates when Albert discovers Eva’s secret friendship with Marianne, leading to an explosive breakup.
As the story unfolds, Eva faces a poignant moment when she and her ex-husband take their daughter Ellen to the airport for her college send-off. Fast forward to Thanksgiving, and while en route to collect Ellen from the airport, Eva makes an unexpected detour in front of Albert’s house. Their paths cross again when he steps outside, and after a brief, awkward exchange, they sit together on the porch—an opening for rekindling their relationship and exploring the possibilities of a fresh start.
Eva's Party Invitation
Eva, a dedicated masseuse and single mother, is invited to a lively party in Pacific Palisades. Accompanied by her friends Will and Sarah, she looks forward to a fun evening among acquaintances.
Meeting Marianne
At the party, Eva meets Marianne, a captivating poet introduced by Will. Their first interaction sparks Eva's curiosity, and she begins to feel an intriguing connection with Marianne.
Albert's Request
After the party, to Eva's surprise, Albert asks for her phone number. Although unsure of their chemistry, she decides to give him a chance, leading to plans for a dinner date.
Enjoyable Dinner Date
Eva and Albert go on their dinner date, where they discover an unexpected chemistry. The evening deeply surprises Eva, who starts to feel affection toward Albert.
Lunch with Tess
As their relationship develops, Eva shares lunch with Albert and his teenage daughter Tess. The meeting is filled with insights about their parenting challenges as both girls prepare for college.
Shocking Revelation
Eva visits Marianne for a massage and learns that Albert is Marianne's ex-husband. This shocking revelation complicates Eva's feelings, prompting her to reassess her relationship with Albert.
The Guacamole Story
During the massage, Marianne shares a quirky story about Albert's love for guacamole. Eva realizes this story matches what Albert had previously told her, heightening her suspicions.
Awkward Encounter
When Tess appears, Eva confirms her suspicions about Albert's connection to Marianne. Rather than confront the situation, she hides behind a tree, overwhelmed by the unintended intertwining of their lives.
Dinner Party Tensions
Sarah and Will organize a dinner party with Eva and Albert, hoping to strengthen their relationship. However, the evening devolves into chaos after Eva critiques Albert, igniting his anger.
Explosive Breakup
As tensions reach a breaking point, Albert discovers Eva’s friendship with Marianne. This revelation leads to a passionate and explosive breakup that leaves both parties in turmoil.
College Send-off
Eva experiences an emotional moment when she and her ex-husband escort their daughter Ellen to the airport for her college send-off. The day serves as a bittersweet reminder of her daughter's transition into adulthood.
Thanksgiving Detour
During Thanksgiving, while on her way to pick up Ellen from the airport, Eva makes an unexpected stop in front of Albert's house. This impromptu decision leads to a significant and surprising encounter.
Meeting Again
As luck would have it, Albert steps outside just as Eva arrives. They share a brief and awkward exchange that hints at unresolved feelings and the potential for reconciliation.
Hope for a Fresh Start
After their encounter, Eva and Albert sit together on the porch, enjoying a vulnerable moment. This conversation opens the door for new possibilities, signaling a chance for a fresh start in their relationship.
Eva
Eva is a dedicated masseuse and a single mother, balancing her career and the challenges of raising a teenage daughter. She undergoes personal growth as she explores romance with Albert, facing her insecurities while navigating unexpected complications in her life.
Albert
Albert is a gentle and warm-hearted man who becomes a central figure in Eva's romantic journey. Though he initially presents a laid-back demeanor, his vulnerability is revealed as his past resurfaces, impacting his relationship with Eva and his daughter.
Marianne
Marianne is a quirky and introspective poet who unwittingly complicates Eva's relationship with Albert. As his ex-wife, she finds herself in a complicated friendship with Eva, revealing the interconnectedness of their lives and the impact of past relationships.
Tess
Tess, Albert’s teenage daughter, is also navigating her own transition to adulthood. Her interactions with Eva and her father highlight the challenges of familial relationships during critical life changes, emphasizing themes of support and understanding.
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, focusing on modern relationships and the complexities of personal connections. It explores themes of love, family, and emotional vulnerability in the present-day social landscape.
Location
Pacific Palisades
Pacific Palisades is an affluent coastal neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Known for its stunning ocean views and vibrant community, it often serves as a picturesque backdrop for personal stories and romantic encounters. The area is characterized by its luxurious homes, scenic parks, and a lively atmosphere.
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak is central to the narrative as Eva navigates her feelings for Albert amidst unexpected revelations. The film delves into the emotional consequences of past relationships and the struggles of moving forward. It portrays the challenge of finding love while being entangled in past connections.
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Family Dynamics
Family dynamics play a significant role, particularly with Eva as a single mother raising her daughter. The film explores the relationships between parents and their children, emphasizing the emotional transitions during pivotal life stages, such as preparing for college.
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Secrets & Revelations
The theme of secrets and revelations is woven throughout the story, particularly with Eva learning of Albert's connection to Marianne. This leads to complicated emotions and misunderstandings that impact relationships, highlighting the importance of honesty and communication in love.
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