Perfect 1985

Rolling Stone magazine’s investigative reporter, Adam Lawrence, embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, California, aiming to secure an interview with a businessman named Joe McKenzie, portrayed by Kenneth Welsh, who has been implicated in drug-related offenses. On his trip, Adam’s editor, Mark Roth, tasks him with another story, prompting Adam to explore a humorous angle on the rising trend of health clubs as the latest singles hangouts. His investigation brings him to “The Sports Connection,” a health club that proudly showcases its social atmosphere.

Upon receiving a tour of the facility, Adam keeps the true intent of his article under wraps. He quickly finds himself captivated by an aerobics instructor named Jessie Wilson, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Unfortunately, Jessie’s past experiences with journalists leave her wary of Adam’s intentions. As Adam pursues his lead on Joe McKenzie, he relentlessly seeks an interview. Although Jessie rebuffs his initial proposal to feature her in his article on The Sports Connection, she ultimately agrees to dine with him. During their meal, she confronts Adam about his story’s focus on the singles scene, a topic he dismisses.

After gaining exclusive access to Joe McKenzie following his bail release, Adam travels to New York City for an interview. The piece he crafts, however, raises red flags at Rolling Stone, who fear it may provoke governmental backlash. When the publication demands that Adam relinquish his recorded interview—contradicting his promise of confidentiality to McKenzie—he stands firm, leading to the magazine’s refusal to publish the story. Returning to Los Angeles, Adam begins to nurture a romance with Jessie. He participates in her aerobics classes, and she finally consents to an interview. During their chat, Jessie reveals her painful experience with a previous journalist who tarnished her image in a scathing article about an affair while she was an aspiring Olympic swimmer.

As their connection deepens, Adam and Jessie enjoy a ski trip together, but Adam’s ongoing investigation into the health club singles scene casts a shadow over their blossoming romance. When Jessie discovers Adam covertly recording her personal anecdotes, she erupts in anger, choosing to end their relationship. Mark Roth then informs Adam that McKenzie has offered a substantial bribe to avoid publication.

Not long after, Adam interviews Linda Slater, a free-spirited member of the health club, and her friend Sally Marcus, who are both thrilled about becoming part of his story, oblivious to its negative implications. As Rolling Stone sends photographer Frankie to capture images for the article, Adam intervenes to protect Jessie’s privacy by stopping her from photographing her. Subsequently, Jessie confronts Adam, leading him to share his recordings and pledge against writing about her. However, as tensions rise, Jessie’s discovery of Adam’s original piece on her prompts a heated confrontation, where she deletes his work and accuses him of insensitivity.

Determined to make amends, Adam rewrites the article, now highlighting America’s health revival. His editor, however, is displeased with this new direction and assigns another journalist to rewrite it behind Adam’s back. As Frankie reveals her photographs of Jessie, they recognize her past as a swimmer, juxtaposing her ugly history with the article’s narrative and attributing the cover piece to Adam. Fueled by regret, Adam rushes to express his sincerest apologies to Jessie, but she vehemently rejects his defense.

The situation worsens when Adam is subpoenaed by the FBI to testify against Joe McKenzie and present his recorded interview. Ultimately, Jessie arrives in New York to support him during this tumultuous time. On the stand, Adam refuses to surrender the tapes, leading to his contempt charge and imprisonment. As he is escorted away, Jessie calls out his name in desperation. Afterward, with Joe McKenzie found not guilty, Adam is liberated from incarceration, and an emotional reunion with Jessie takes place, culminating in a passionate kiss as she awaits his release from jail.