Made by
Columbia Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of How Do You Know (2010). 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.
Softball player Lisa Jorgenson finds herself entangled with Matty Reynolds, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Amidst this romance, she receives a perplexing phone call from a young executive, George Madison, who was encouraged by a mutual friend of Lisa’s to reach out. Although George is erudite in his approach, he calls Lisa simply to update her on his serious relationship with his girlfriend.
However, George’s life takes a drastic turn when he becomes embroiled in a federal investigation concerning corporate wrongdoing at the company overseen by his father, Charles Madison. Following this, he is dismissed from his position and left high and dry, with only the support of his father and his secretary, Annie, who is pregnant and trying to help him navigate his troubled waters.
Just as George seeks comfort from his girlfriend, he is left in shock when she ends their relationship. At the same time, Lisa faces her own setback when she discovers she has not made the Team USA roster. On a spur of the moment, George reaches out to Lisa again, inviting her to lunch, an outing that turns out to be a miserable affair. Overwhelmed by his despair, they find themselves eating in silence and drifting apart without any plans to meet again.
As Lisa attempts to find solace, she moves in with Matty, who possesses a lavish penthouse in the same elite building owned by George’s father. Matty is generous and carefree, but his lack of maturity and continued flings with other women begin to frustrate Lisa. Meanwhile, George’s legal troubles deepen as he faces indictment, while loyal Annie tries to provide insider information to support him. However, George encourages her to safeguard her own job instead.
A chance encounter brings George and Lisa together again in Matty’s building, where George offers to help her with groceries. Their interaction causes tension when Matty returns home and disapproves of George’s unexpected presence, leading Lisa to move out and share a surprisingly enjoyable evening with George in his simplistic apartment. The situation escalates dramatically when George learns that his father, Charles, is responsible for the wrongdoing he is accused of. While George faces potential prison time, Charles could be imprisoned for life due to his prior convictions.
On the life-altering night when Annie’s baby arrives and her boyfriend pops the big question, Lisa begins to reevaluate her previously steadfast resistance to committing to a relationship. George’s feelings for her are apparent, but Matty’s pleas for reconciliation pull her in another direction. In a moment of desperation, George proposes a deal to his father: if Lisa chooses him, Charles will face consequences and serve time; if she refuses, George will accept the blame for his father’s actions.
During a birthday party Matty throws for Lisa, George gathers the courage to confess his love, requesting that she find him downstairs should she feel the same. He then departs to give her space for contemplation. In a significant moment, Lisa bids farewell to Matty and joins George outside, while Charles watches from above with mixed emotions, fully grasping the ramifications of his actions.
Conflicted, Lisa expresses her confusion about her feelings towards George, stating, “I thought you were this silly guy. Now it’s like… everything but you seems silly.” George replies with insight, prompting her to acknowledge the depth of overwhelming love. In that pivotal moment, Lisa takes George’s hand as they step onto a bus together, setting the stage for their new journey ahead.
Track the key events of How Do You Know (2010) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Lisa Jorgenson Meets Matty Reynolds
Softball player Lisa Jorgenson becomes romantically involved with Matty Reynolds, a pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Their relationship begins to flourish as they navigate the ups and downs of each other's careers.
George Madison's Phone Call
Lisa receives an unexpected phone call from George Madison, a young executive who was encouraged by a mutual friend to reach out. Despite his serious relationship with another woman, George feels compelled to update Lisa about his life.
George Faces Federal Investigation
George's professional life takes a drastic turn as he becomes embroiled in a federal investigation concerning corporate wrongdoing linked to his father's company. The gravity of the situation leaves him feeling vulnerable and anxious about his future.
George's Layoff
George is dismissed from his position at work following the investigation. With only his father and his pregnant secretary, Annie, to support him, he grapples with the fallout of his career fallout and the impact on his personal life.
Breakup with George's Girlfriend
In the midst of his turmoil, George is blindsided when his girlfriend ends their relationship. This adds to his emotional distress as he tries to process both personal and professional setbacks.
Lisa Misses Team USA Cut
While coping with George's changes, Lisa receives the disappointing news that she has not made the Team USA roster. This realization reinforces her struggles and feelings of inadequacy in both her career and her relationship.
Awkward Lunch Invitation
In an attempt to reconnect, George invites Lisa to lunch, but the outing turns out to be dismal. They share an uncomfortable silence and part ways, unsure of what lies ahead for their potential relationship.
Moving In with Matty
Seeking comfort, Lisa moves in with Matty in his lavish penthouse. However, Matty's carefree attitude and continued infidelities begin to weigh on Lisa, further complicating her feelings.
George's Indictment
As George's legal troubles intensify, he faces the prospect of indictment for his father's wrongdoings. Despite his chaotic situation, loyal secretary Annie tries to help him navigate the legal challenges he faces.
Encounter in Matty's Building
A chance meeting brings George and Lisa together again in the same building where Matty lives. Their interaction is tense when Matty returns and expresses disapproval of George's presence, leading Lisa to reconsider her living arrangements.
Evening at George's Apartment
After moving out, Lisa enjoys a surprising evening with George in his modest apartment. This marks a shift in their dynamic as they begin to explore their emotions towards each other.
Discovery of Family Wrongdoing
George learns that his father, Charles, is at the center of the corporate wrongdoings he is accused of. This revelation puts George in a moral dilemma about family loyalty and personal integrity as the stakes rise dramatically.
Annie's Baby and George's Proposal
On a night marked by Annie's childbirth, George proposes an ultimatum to his father. He suggests that if Lisa chooses him, his father will face consequences; if she refuses, George will take the blame.
Lisa's Birthday Party
During a birthday party organized by Matty for Lisa, George gathers the courage to confess his love for her. He asks her to find him later, setting the stage for a pivotal decision in her love life.
A New Journey Together
After a heart-to-heart, Lisa expresses her feelings towards George and the newfound complexity in her emotions. The film culminates with Lisa taking George's hand as they step onto a bus together, symbolizing the start of their journey ahead.
Meet the characters that bring How Do You Know (2010) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lisa Jorgenson (Reese Witherspoon)
Lisa is a determined softball player whose journey of self-discovery is central to the film. Initially focused on her athletic career, she grapples with romantic entanglements that force her to reevaluate what she truly wants in life. Her character embodies resilience and the struggle between personal ambition and emotional connections.
Matty Reynolds (Owen Wilson)
Matty is a charming but immature pitcher who provides Lisa with a lavish lifestyle yet lacks the emotional depth she craves. His carefree demeanor initially attracts Lisa, but his inability to commit begins to frustrate her, prompting her to search for more meaningful connections. Matty represents the allure of surface-level relationships.
George Madison (Paul Rudd)
George is an erudite young executive drawn into a web of familial expectations and corporate scandals. His emotional turmoil and genuine feelings for Lisa illustrate the conflict between personal desires and external pressures. George's character develops from a state of despair to one of hope and vulnerability, making him relatable.
Uncover the settings of How Do You Know (2010), 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
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, addressing modern themes of romance, corporate scandal, and personal turmoil. It reflects a time when relationships are often complicated by external pressures, including career challenges and familial obligations.
Location
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. serves as the backdrop for this romantic drama, known for its political significance and vibrant culture. The city is not only home to important national landmarks but also a hub for corporate and legal struggles, reflecting the legal dilemmas faced by George. The lavish penthouse and simplistic apartment settings within the city also highlight the contrasting lifestyles of its characters.
Explore the core themes of How Do You Know (2010). 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 & Choices
The film navigates the complexities of love and the tough choices that come with it. Lisa finds herself torn between her attraction to George and her relationship with Matty, highlighting how emotional connections can be influenced by circumstances. Ultimately, Lisa’s decision symbolizes the struggle between a secure but unfulfilling relationship and the potential for true love.
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Consequences
Consequences loom over George as he grapples with his father's misconduct and the impact it has on his life. The narrative illustrates how personal and familial actions can lead to significant ramifications, urging characters to confront their realities. George's moral dilemma reflects the theme of accountability in both personal relationships and larger social structures.
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Self-discovery
Throughout the movie, Lisa embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reevaluating her desires and priorities. As her athletic ambitions wane and her relationships evolve, she learns the importance of following her heart. This theme emphasizes the transformative nature of experiences and the inherent need to seek personal fulfillment.
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