Directed by
Kevin Smith
Made by
Miramax Films
In New York City, 1995, Oliver “Ollie” Trinké (Ben Affleck), a prominent media publicist, quickly falls for and marries a beautiful young Latina named Gertrude Steiney (Jennifer Lopez). Their early days are filled with happiness until Gertrude discovers she is pregnant. Unfortunately, Ollie becomes increasingly consumed by his demanding job, neglecting her needs as a future mother.
On the day Gertrude goes into labor, Ollie struggles to leave work behind, but tragedy strikes as she dies from internal bleeding during childbirth. Overwhelmed by grief, Ollie throws himself into his work, ignoring his responsibilities as a father to their newborn daughter, Gertie. His father, Bart (George Carlin), steps in to help care for Gertie but soon returns to work, leaving Ollie to confront his parental obligations.
Amidst the chaos of a poor diaper change and Gertie’s constant crying during a press event, Ollie’s frustration erupts, leading him to attack his former client, Will Smith (playing himself), costing him his job. Following the fallout, he relocates to New Jersey with Bart. As time passes, Ollie comes to terms with his grief and begins to reconnect with his daughter.
Seven years later, in 2003, Ollie still lives in New Jersey, struggling to find work in public relations, as the New York firms have blacklisted him due to his past outburst. He now works as a civil servant alongside Bart, while Gertie, now seven, invites him to enjoy movie nights together. During one of these outings at the video store, they meet Maya (Liv Tyler), a lively clerk whose inquisitive nature brings a spark into Ollie’s otherwise mundane life.
Ollie’s role as a civil servant takes a turn when he engages a local group for support on a public works project, rekindling his passion for public relations. This newfound excitement prompts him to reach out to Arthur (Jason Biggs), his former protégé, leading to a potential job interview that would take him back to New York. However, this possibility ignites tension between Ollie, Gertie, Bart, and Maya, particularly when he schedules the interview on the same day as Gertie’s talent show.
In a heated moment, Gertie vents her frustration, expressing that she wishes he had died instead of her mother. Ollie, equally frustrated, retorts with hurtful comments but soon regrets his words. Following a heartfelt reconciliation, Gertie embraces the idea of moving.
As Ollie prepares for the interview, he unexpectedly meets Will Smith again, who remains unaware of their turbulent history. Their exchange inspires Ollie to prioritize fatherhood over his career ambitions. Ultimately, he walks away from the job opportunity and arrives just in time to support Gertie’s performance of Sweeney Todd.
The film concludes with a celebratory gathering at a bar, where Ollie, Gertie, Bart, and Maya come together, hinting at budding feelings between Ollie and Maya. As Ollie reassures Gertie that they are remaining in New Jersey, she inquires why he made this choice despite his passion for New York. With sincerity, he reveals that while he believed he loved his career, nothing compared to the joy of being a father, which is where his true talent lies.
Ollie Marries Gertrude
In 1995, Oliver 'Ollie' Trinké, a well-established media publicist, marries Gertrude Steiney, a beautiful young Latina. Their relationship blossoms as they experience the joy and excitement of their new life together in New York City.
Gertrude's Pregnancy
The couple's happiness takes a turn when Gertrude discovers she is pregnant. While Ollie is initially excited, his increasing focus on work begins to overshadow his support for Gertrude during her pregnancy.
Tragic Childbirth
On the day Gertrude goes into labor, Ollie struggles to detach himself from work. Tragically, during childbirth, Gertrude dies due to internal bleeding, leaving Ollie devastated and alone with their newborn daughter, Gertie.
Ollie's Grief
Overcome with grief from Gertrude's death, Ollie immerses himself in his work and neglects his role as a father. His father, Bart, steps in to provide care for Gertie but can only do so for a limited time before returning to his own responsibilities.
Public Meltdown
During a press event, Ollie's frustrations boil over as he struggles with parenting. After a disastrous diaper change and Gertie's crying, he impulsively attacks his former client, Will Smith, resulting in Ollie's dismissal from his job.
Moving to New Jersey
In the aftermath of losing his job, Ollie relocates to New Jersey with Bart. As he grapples with his new living situation, he continues to neglect Gertie's needs while processing his grief.
Building Father-Daughter Relationship
Seven years later, in 2003, Ollie tries to reconnect with Gertie as she invites him to movie nights. Their bond grows stronger as they navigate their shared experiences and build a life together, albeit with Ollie's lingering struggles.
Meeting Maya
While enjoying a trip to a video store, Ollie and Gertie meet Maya, a lively clerk whose curious personality injects excitement into Ollie's otherwise dull life. This encounter marks a turning point in Ollie's journey to find joy beyond his burdens.
Reviving Career Ambitions
Ollie's experience as a civil servant rekindles his passion for public relations. He engages a local group for support on a public projects initiative, prompting him to reach out to Arthur, his former protégé, for a possible job opportunity.
Conflict Over Schedule
Tension arises within the family when Ollie schedules a job interview on the same day as Gertie's talent show. This decision leads to a painful exchange of words between Ollie and Gertie, revealing their mounting frustrations.
Reconciliation
Following their argument, Ollie and Gertie have a heartfelt reconciliation. Gertie expresses her feelings, and Ollie realizes the importance of supporting his daughter, leading to a renewed commitment to their relationship.
Meeting Will Smith Again
Just before the job interview, Ollie unexpectedly runs into Will Smith, who remains unaware of their troubled past. Their interaction serves as a catalyst for Ollie to reassess his priorities between work and family.
Choosing Family
In a transformative moment, Ollie decides to skip the job opportunity to support Gertie's performance. He arrives just in time for her talent show, marking a pivotal choice in favor of his responsibilities as a father.
Celebration at the Bar
The film culminates in a celebratory gathering at a bar, where Ollie, Gertie, Bart, and Maya come together, hinting at a possible romantic connection between Ollie and Maya. They share laughter and reaffirm their commitment to each other as a family.
Ollie's Realization
Ollie reflects on his journey and relays his newfound understanding that the love for his daughter surpasses any ambition he had for his career. He tells Gertie that being a father is his true talent, solidifying their emotional bond.
Oliver "Ollie" Trinké
Ollie is a devoted father who initially struggles with grief and the loss of his wife. His character evolves from a work-focused publicist to a caring parent learning to prioritize his daughter Gertie. He displays growth throughout the film, coming to understand the value of family over professional ambitions.
Gertie
Gertie, Ollie's daughter, symbolizes innocence and the emotional impact of loss at a young age. She navigates feelings of abandonment and resentment towards her father for his initial negligence. Over time, Gertie's relationship with Ollie matures, leading to moments of heartfelt reconciliation.
Maya
Maya is a lively video store clerk who brings joy and curiosity back into Ollie's life. Her inquisitive nature challenges Ollie to embrace new experiences and rekindle his passion for life. As a supportive figure, she becomes an important part of his journey toward happiness and fulfillment.
Time period
1995, 2003
The movie spans from 1995 to 2003, a time marked by significant social changes and the rise of the internet age. The late 90s and early 2000s were characterized by a shift towards a more casual lifestyle, with an increasing emphasis on family values and personal connections amidst the hustle of urban life.
Location
New York City, New Jersey
New York City, known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture, serves as the backdrop for Ollie and Gertrude's whirlwind romance. Following personal tragedy, Ollie relocates to New Jersey, a quieter environment characterized by family-oriented neighborhoods and a slower pace of life. This move represents a shift from his ambitious city career to a more grounded existence focused on family.
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Grief
Grief is a central theme as Ollie navigates the loss of his wife, which profoundly affects his life and parenting. This emotional struggle is depicted through his initial neglect of Gertie as he copes with his sorrow. Ultimately, the film shows that acceptance and love are vital in overcoming such profound loss.
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Fatherhood
Fatherhood emerges as a pivotal theme as Ollie learns to embrace his responsibilities and prioritize his daughter Gertie over his career aspirations. Their evolving relationship illustrates the journey of a father seeking redemption and connection. The film highlights the profound joys and challenges of being a parent.
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Redemption
Ollie's journey toward redemption is illustrated as he confronts his choices from the past and realizes the importance of family over career. His relationship with Gertie grows stronger as he makes decisions that prioritize their bond. The theme emphasizes the idea that redemption is achievable through love and heartfelt connections.
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