Girl Most Likely 2013
Directed by
Robert Pulcini
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
Imogene Duncan, portrayed by Kristen Wiig, is a once-promising playwright whose life in New York City has taken a nosedive. After being abruptly dumped by her high-society boyfriend and losing her job, she finds herself spiraling into despair. In a bid for attention, she stages a dramatic suicide attempt, which leads to her being hospitalized under a 5150 hold, only to be rescued by her friend Dara. Upon her release, Imogene is sent back to her childhood home in New Jersey to live with her estranged mother, played by Annette Bening, where she is forced to confront the harsh realities of her past.
As she settles into her old neighborhood, Imogene uncovers a shocking revelation during a conversation between her mother and her new partner, George Bousche. Contrary to what she had been led to believe, her father did not pass away; instead, he abandoned their family to pursue a PhD in New York. This new information ignites a quest for answers, prompting Imogene to sneak into the local library and grab her father’s book. She also enlists the help of her mother’s boarder, Lee, played by Darren Criss, to assist her in tracking down her estranged father.
However, Imogene soon faces a setback when her access to her apartment is denied and Dara, unwilling to take her in, cuts ties. In an effort to repay Lee for his kindness, Imogene decides to attend one of his Backstreet Boys tribute band performances. This leads to a heartfelt conversation about her stagnating playwriting career. Years prior, she had won a prestigious grant but ultimately failed to produce an actual play, leaving her doubting her creative abilities. Lee encourages her to rediscover her spark and try writing again.
Their conversation rekindles Imogene’s excitement for life, leading her back into Lee’s orbit as they spend a night exploring the town together and reuniting with her brother, Ralph. As they prepare to return to the city to attend Dara’s book launch, the reception Imogene receives is anything but warm. Meanwhile, Ralph finds himself in hot water with the law but is eventually brought to the party by the authorities.
After the awkward launch, Ralph surprises Imogene and Lee with a visit to their father’s New York home, where they endure an uncomfortable dinner with their estranged father and his new spouse. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved issues within their family, forcing Imogene to confront the deep-seated scars that remain unhealed.
Just when it seems like things can’t get worse, Imogene receives an unexpected opportunity when her father offers to back her financially to help restart her life. Eager to break free from his grasp, she embarks on a journey back to her mother, determined to leave her troubles behind. However, this brief respite is shattered when a visitor arrives at their home, intent on exacting revenge on George through violent means. In a moment of fierce determination, Imogene dons her brother’s cutting-edge human exo-skeleton suit and confronts the would-be assassin with surprising strength.
Throughout this tumultuous journey, Imogene discovers the healing power of creative expression, culminating in the creation of her original play titled Exo-life. Featuring none other than Julia Stiles in a starring role, the production garners a standing ovation, celebrating Imogene’s resilience and artistic vision, showcasing the strength she found amid chaos.
Timeline
Imogene's Downfall
Imogene Duncan, a once-promising playwright, experiences a dramatic downturn in life following her breakup with her high-society boyfriend. Losing her job in New York City plunges her into despair, leaving her feeling abandoned and without purpose.
The Suicide Attempt
In a desperate bid for attention and help, Imogene stages a dramatic suicide attempt. This act results in her being hospitalized under a 5150 hold, raising alarms about her mental health and prompting her friend Dara to ultimately rescue her.
Return to New Jersey
After her release from the hospital, Imogene is sent back to her childhood home in New Jersey to live with her estranged mother. This forced arrangement compels her to confront painful memories and unresolved emotional issues from her past.
Discovering the Truth
While settling back into her old life, Imogene overhears a conversation that unveils a shocking truth about her father. Contrary to her belief that he passed away, she learns that he left to pursue a PhD, prompting her to seek answers about his abandonment.
The Library Quest
Driven by curiosity and a hunger for understanding, Imogene sneaks into the local library. There, she manages to find her father's book, hoping it will provide insights into his life and their family's past.
Enlisting Lee's Help
Imogene seeks help from her mother's boarder, Lee, to track down her estranged father. This partnership marks the beginning of a pivotal relationship that will influence her journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment.
Setback in New York
Facing obstacles, Imogene finds herself locked out of her apartment in New York City, and her friend Dara ultimately cuts ties, leaving her feeling isolated. She is compelled to reevaluate her choices and seek new paths.
Lee's Tribute Band Performance
To repay Lee for his kindness, Imogene decides to attend one of his Backstreet Boys tribute band performances. This event leads to a significant heart-to-heart discussion about her stalled playwriting career and reignites her passion for creativity.
Rekindling Creativity
Through her conversation with Lee, Imogene begins to rediscover her love for writing. This important realization pushes her to reconsider her artistic ambitions and consider starting anew.
Family Reunion
Imogene's journey takes a mixed turn during a family gathering at Dara's book launch, where she faces rejection from her peers. This event coincides with her brother Ralph's legal troubles, highlighting ongoing familial challenges.
Dinner with Estranged Father
In an emotionally charged moment, Imogene and Ralph confront their estranged father's new family during an awkward dinner. This uncomfortable experience forces Imogene to face her unresolved family issues head on.
A Financial Offer
Just when Imogene thinks things are getting better, her father offers her financial support to restart her life. This unexpected gesture forces her to grapple with her feelings towards him and the implications of accepting help.
Confrontation with a Visitor
Imogene's resolve is tested when a visitor threatens George, her mother's partner. In a moment of surprising bravery, she dons her brother's human exo-skeleton suit to confront the assailant and protect her family.
Creating Exo-life
In the wake of her tumultuous experiences, Imogene channels her pain into creativity by writing an original play titled *Exo-life*. This project marks a significant step in her healing journey and willingness to reclaim her identity.
Standing Ovation
Imogene's play receives a standing ovation, showcasing her resilience and artistic vision. The success of *Exo-life*, featuring Julia Stiles, symbolizes her transformation and growth through adversity.
Characters
Imogene Duncan (Kristen Wiig)
Imogene is a complex character whose journey is marked by personal and professional turmoil. Initially depicted as a frustrated playwright, her descent into despair catalyzes a transformational arc that leads her to rediscover her passion for writing. She demonstrates strength and vulnerability, reflecting the struggle of many artists facing setbacks.
Dara
Dara is Imogene's friend who initially provides support but struggles to continue as Imogene becomes increasingly needy. Her decision to cut ties highlights the strain that Imogene's crisis places on relationships, emphasizing the challenges of friendship during difficult times.
Ralph
Ralph, Imogene's brother, represents the struggles faced by the family as they confront their past. He complicates the family's dynamic, experiencing his own legal troubles while trying to reconnect with Imogene. His character adds depth to the theme of familial obligation and shared hardship.
George Bousche
George is Imogene's mother's new partner, who becomes entangled in the family drama. His presence highlights the tension between Imogene and her mother, symbolizing the new dynamics that come with change and the impact of past decisions on current relationships.
Lee (Darren Criss)
Lee, as Imogene's mother's boarder, becomes an unexpected ally. His supportive nature and encouragement serve as a catalyst for Imogene's creative resurgence, embodying the theme of friendship and the importance of community in the face of personal crisis.
Setting
Time period
The timeline of the movie is contemporary, capturing the struggles and societal expectations of modern life. Themes of ambition, family dynamics, and personal rediscovery are presented against a backdrop that resonates with the challenges faced in today's world.
Location
New York City, New Jersey
New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse culture, serving as a backdrop for Imogene's aspirations and failures. In contrast, New Jersey represents her childhood home, filled with memories and unresolved familial issues, forcing her to reflect on her past and confront her identity.
Themes
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Creativity
The theme of creativity is central to Imogene's journey as she navigates her artistic ambitions and personal setbacks. Her evolution from despair to artistic expression illustrates the transformative power of creativity in overcoming life's challenges. The culmination of her journey is marked by the creation of her play, *Exo-life*, which symbolizes her resilience.
💔
Family
Family dynamics play a significant role in the narrative, as Imogene confronts her estranged relationships and the emotional scars of her upbringing. The revelations about her father's abandonment force her to reevaluate her past, leading to moments of reconciliation and understanding. This theme underscores the complexity of familial love and the journey toward healing.
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Empowerment
Imogene's journey is one of empowerment, as she learns to reclaim her identity and artistic voice amidst turmoil. By donning her brother's exo-skeleton suit and confronting adversity directly, she embodies strength and resilience. This theme highlights the importance of self-discovery and the courage required to rise above challenges.
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