Girlfriend's Day 2017
Directed by
Michael Stephenson
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Girlfriend's Day (2017). 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.
This unique film opens with an engaging montage showcasing the printing industry, featuring presses, inks, and papers hanging out to dry. As the narrative unfolds, we discover that the focus is on the world of greeting cards and the writers behind them, emphasizing that crafting these messages is the ‘ultimate challenge’. After all, as the film suggests, “novels are for people who can’t edit themselves.”
When the talented Valentine’s Day card writer Ray (Bob Odenkirk) unexpectedly finds himself terminated by his boss, he is forced into a series of menial jobs just to meet his rent obligations. Desperate times lead him to organize an indoor yard sale to raise some much-needed funds. However, the plot takes a dramatic twist when the Mayor heralds a new holiday dedicated to girlfriends, complete with a lucrative prize for the best greeting card that captures true feelings for a girlfriend.
The story quickly morphs into a gritty detective tale packed with tough villains, alluring women, double-crosses, and corrupt law enforcement—echoing the classic essence of a Mickey Spillane narrative. Card writers frequently gather at a bar known as ‘Card Sharps’, where double entendres flow freely from the characters’ lips, injecting humor into the storyline.
As the plot thickens, Ray becomes enchanted by Jill, a captivating woman who serves as his muse, helping him break free from writer’s block. This inspiration leads him to craft the winning card for Girlfriend’s Day. With heartwarming music playing softly in the background, a montage reveals various people cherishing Ray’s card—an undeniable ‘Hallmark Moment’. The quirky yet delightful film concludes with Ray’s reflective voice-over, revealing that he has moved on from being a professional greeting card writer; he no longer commodifies his emotions but instead reserves them for that special someone.
Timeline
Track the key events of Girlfriend's Day (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Montage Begins
The film opens with a vibrant montage that emphasizes the intricacies of the printing industry. Viewers are introduced to the various elements such as presses, inks, and papers, which are carefully dried, setting the tone for the importance of craftsmanship in greeting card writing.
Focus on Greeting Cards
As the narrative unfolds, the viewers learn about the intriguing world of greeting cards. The film suggests that writing these heartfelt messages is a true test of creativity and skill, contrasting it with the ease of writing novels.
Ray's Job Loss
Ray, a talented writer known for his Valentine's Day cards, faces a sudden setback when he is terminated from his job. This unexpected event forces him to confront a dire financial situation, prompting a change in his lifestyle.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Determined to pay his rent, Ray takes on a series of menial jobs that undermine his skills as a writer. Each job highlights the desperation of his situation and the struggles faced by a once-successful greeting card writer.
Indoor Yard Sale
In a bid to alleviate his financial burden, Ray organizes an indoor yard sale. This creative approach not only provides some temporary relief but also reveals his resourcefulness in the face of adversity.
Mayor's Holiday Announcement
A significant twist occurs when the Mayor announces a new holiday dedicated to girlfriends. This holiday comes with a competition featuring a substantial prize for the best greeting card, igniting excitement and opportunity for card writers.
The Gritty Turn
The story takes a dramatic shift into a gritty detective narrative, filled with tough villains and intriguing women. The film adopts a classic Mickey Spillane vibe, incorporating elements of crime and double-crosses in the card-writing community.
Life at Card Sharps
Ray and other card writers frequently gather at a local bar known as 'Card Sharps'. This setting serves as a hub of camaraderie where humor and witty banter flourishes among the characters, adding richness to the narrative.
Ray Meets Jill
Ray encounters Jill, a captivating woman who becomes his inspiration and muse. Her influence helps Ray overcome his writer's block, reigniting his passion for crafting meaningful messages.
Crafting the Winning Card
With new inspiration from Jill, Ray works diligently to create a heartfelt card for Girlfriend's Day. This card showcases his creativity and emotional depth, marking a pivotal moment in his journey as a writer.
Hallmark Moment
A touching montage follows as various individuals embrace Ray's winning card, showcasing the impact his words have on their relationships. This moment epitomizes the essence of a perfect greeting card, turning it into a cherished keepsake.
Ray's Reflection
As the film reaches its conclusion, Ray offers a reflective voice-over. He shares his journey and realizations, emphasizing that he has moved beyond his career as a greeting card writer, choosing to reserve his emotions for someone special.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Girlfriend's Day (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ray (Bob Odenkirk)
Ray is a talented but struggling Valentine's Day card writer navigating both personal and professional upheaval. His character embodies creativity paired with vulnerability, as he grapples with job loss and the challenge of crafting an authentic message. Through his evolving relationship with Jill, he learns to channel his emotions into meaningful expression.
Jill
Jill serves as Ray's muse and inspiration, helping him navigate his turmoil and breaking through his writer's block. Her captivating presence provides a blend of allure and motivation, influencing Ray to tap into his deeper feelings. Jill symbolizes the emotional connection that can spark creativity, becoming an integral part of Ray's journey.
Mayor
The Mayor plays a pivotal role by announcing a new holiday dedicated to girlfriends, setting the stage for the film's central competition. His character embodies authority and a playful spirit, as he incentivizes creativity among card writers. This character drives the plot forward, adding a layer of ambition and challenge.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Girlfriend's Day (2017), 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
Modern Day
The film takes place in modern times, where the greeting card industry is faced with evolving consumer preferences and digital communication. This setting emphasizes both the nostalgia and the struggles faced by traditional card writers as they adapt to a changing market. Themes of personal expression versus commercialization resonate amidst a contemporary backdrop.
Location
Card Sharps bar
The Card Sharps bar serves as a central gathering place for card writers, where witty banter and camaraderie thrive. It's a locale characterized by its vibrant atmosphere and people sharing their creative struggles. Here, the characters engage in humor and storytelling, highlighting the unique challenges of the greeting card industry.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Girlfriend's Day (2017). 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 Heartbreak
The narrative explores the complexities of love and relationships through the lens of greeting cards. It dives into the emotional effort involved in crafting messages that genuinely express feelings, reflecting the characters' struggles with their own romantic lives. Ultimately, the theme underscores that true emotional connections go beyond mere words.
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Creativity and Expression
Creativity serves as a core theme as Ray, a card writer, faces the ultimate challenge of expressing deep feelings in just a few words. The film portrays the craft of writing greeting cards as both an art and a business, highlighting the difficulties in capturing genuine sentiment. This theme resonates as Ray transitions from commercial success to personal fulfillment.
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Mystery and Intrigue
As the plot evolves, elements of mystery and intrigue emerge, showcasing Ray's journey through unexpected circumstances and challenges. The introduction of a new holiday and the surrounding competition create opportunities for suspense and exploration of human relationships. The gritty undertones reflect classic noir influences and the depths of moral ambiguity.
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