Sleeping with Other People

Sleeping with Other People 2015

Directed by

Leslye Headland

Leslye Headland

Made by

IFC Films

IFC Films

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Plot Summary


In 2002, Elaine “Lainey” Dalton (@Alison Brie) creates a bit of chaos in a college dorm, leading to a pivotal moment when Jake Harper (@Jason Sudeikis) steps in to save her from being kicked out by campus security. He finds out that Lainey’s mission was to lose her virginity to her teaching assistant, Matt (Adam Scott), whom Jake dismisses as the dullest individual he’s ever met. As the story unfolds, Lainey discovers that Jake is also a virgin, which sets the stage for an unexpected connection between them.

Fast forward to the present, Lainey finds herself breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Sam (Adam Brody), after confessing to cheating on him not once, but 16 times. Their relationship has become strained, with Sam often interrupting her and doubting her fidelity, including accusations of infidelity with his brother, which Lainey vehemently denies. Although Lainey is working as a kindergarten teacher, she had always aspired to attend medical school.

In search of guidance, Lainey eventually attends a meeting for love addicts where she unexpectedly runs into Jake, who is struggling with commitment issues after being dumped by his girlfriend Hannah (Margarita Levieva) due to his own infidelities. As she contemplates her complicated relationship with Matt—the same man she’s been involved with through it all, now engaged to Emma (Katherine Waterston)—Lainey finds herself entangled in yet another romantic dilemma.

Encouraged by her friend Kara (Natasha Lyonne), Lainey reaches out to Jake, who has recently sold his online advertising business to Paula (Amanda Peet). Jake’s interest in Paula is complicated by her being a divorced mother, and though he pursues her, she remains evasive.

During a double date with Jake and his business partner Xander (Jason Mantzoukas), Lainey and Jake open up about their respective sexual struggles. Jake expresses his desire to be intimate with Lainey, but she proposes that they remain friends, establishing a “code-word”—“mousetrap”—to navigate the tension. As they spend more time together, they forge a deep friendship, with Lainey confiding about her ongoing feelings for Matt. Meanwhile, Jake helps her understand the emotional dynamics that come into play in her relationships.

As their bond strengthens, their friends start to assume they’re dating, further confusing their feelings. Jake discovers that Lainey hasn’t experienced an orgasm in over a year and takes it upon himself to teach her the importance of self-exploration. However, the more time they spend together, the more Jake wrestles with his feelings for Lainey, especially when he learns of her plans to re-enroll in medical school in Michigan.

Despite their undeniable connection, Lainey begins dating Chris Smith (Marc Blucas), which puzzles Jake, who is trying to explore a romantic path with Paula. Following a date with Chris, Lainey unexpectedly encounters Matt and his pregnant wife, fracturing her composure. Simultaneously, Jake’s night with Paula takes a chaotic turn when he calls out Lainey’s name, leading to introspection for both.

They share a night filled with realizations, recognizing their love for each other but still feeling the weight of past traumas—Lainey especially, still harboring pain from Matt. When Lainey moves to Michigan, Jake tries to move on, only to punch Matt in the face two months later after seeing him during brunch, leading to his break-up with Paula and subsequent arrest. In a moment of vulnerability from the police station, Jake confesses his feelings for Lainey, who reciprocates his love.

Soon after, a legal battle ensues as Matt decides to sue Jake for emotional distress, refusing all settlement offers. Lainey confronts Matt, leveraging the secret of their past against him to ensure Jake’s settlement is accepted. Upon leaving Matt’s office, Lainey reunites with Jake, and they head off to tie the knot, leaving behind the tumultuous journeys that ultimately led them back to one another.

Timeline


Lainey's Dorm Chaos

In 2002, Elaine 'Lainey' Dalton creates a scene in her college dorm that captures the attention of campus security. Jake Harper intervenes, saving her from being kicked out, a moment that sets off a series of unexpected events in their lives.

2002 College Dorm

Lainey's Ambitions

During her college years, Lainey confesses to Jake her mission to lose her virginity to her teaching assistant, Matt. Jake, however, doesn't think highly of Matt, calling him the dullest person he knows, which opens the door to a deeper connection between Lainey and Jake.

2002 College Campus

Long-term Relationship Troubles

Fast forward to the present, Lainey finds herself breaking up with her boyfriend Sam after admitting to cheating on him 16 times. Their toxic relationship has been marred by jealousy and accusations, including Lainey denying any wrongdoing with Sam's brother.

Love Addicts Meeting

Feeling lost, Lainey attends a love addicts meeting where she unexpectedly re-encounters Jake, who is grappling with his own commitment issues following a breakup with his girlfriend Hannah. This chance meeting rekindles their connection and opens discussions about their romantic situations.

Meeting Room

Jake's Complicated Pursuit

After reconnecting, Lainey learns that Jake has sold his online advertising business and is now interested in Paula, a divorced mother. However, Jake's pursuit of Paula is complicated as he navigates his feelings for Lainey, creating an intricate love triangle.

Double Date Revelations

On a double date with Jake and his business partner Xander, Lainey and Jake dive into their sexual struggles. They agree to establish a friendship with a 'code-word' to help manage their growing tension and feelings for each other.

Emotional Dynamics

As their friendship deepens, Lainey confides in Jake about her unresolved feelings for Matt. Jake supports her in understanding the emotional dynamics in her relationships, strengthening their bond and making them more aware of their own feelings.

Lainey Dates Chris

Despite their close connection, Lainey decides to date Chris, confusing Jake, who is simultaneously trying to foster a romance with Paula. This leads to an emotional rollercoaster for both as they question the nature of their relationship.

Unexpected Encounters

After a date with Chris, Lainey runs into Matt, now married and expecting a child, which shatters her composure. On a parallel track, Jake finds himself in an awkward situation with Paula, calling out Lainey's name, leading to moments of deep reflection.

Reality Check

A night filled with realizations ensues as Lainey and Jake acknowledge their feelings for each other but also confront their respective emotional baggage. While Lainey is struggling with her past with Matt, Jake is trying to work through his infidelities.

Moving to Michigan

Lainey makes the decision to re-enroll in medical school in Michigan, prompting Jake to confront the possibility of moving on. However, he finds it difficult to cope with his emotions, leading him to take drastic actions during a brunch that lands him in a confrontation with Matt.

Michigan

Confrontation and Arrest

Jake's anger gets the best of him when he punches Matt during brunch, resulting in his breakup with Paula and a subsequent arrest. This chaos leads Jake to a vulnerable moment where he confesses his love for Lainey from a police station.

Police Station

Legal Trouble Arises

In the wake of the altercation, Matt sues Jake for emotional distress, refusing to settle despite various offers. The tension escalates as Lainey takes a stand, confronting Matt about their shared history and leveraging it for Jake's benefit.

Final Confrontation with Matt

Lainey confronts Matt directly, using their history as leverage to ensure that Jake's claims are recognized. This culminates in a pivotal moment for Lainey, allowing her to reclaim her agency while solidifying her affection for Jake.

Matt's Office

A New Beginning

With the legal battle resolved, Lainey and Jake finally reunite, ready to embark on their journey together. They decide to tie the knot, leaving behind their tumultuous pasts and stepping into a hopeful future as partners.

Characters


Elaine "Lainey" Dalton

Lainey is a complex character struggling with her identity and relationship choices. As a kindergarten teacher with medical school aspirations, she faces turmoil in her love life, marked by infidelity and heartbreak. Her journey emphasizes personal growth through self-exploration and ultimately reconnecting with true love.

💔 Heartbreak 🎓 Aspiration 👩‍🏫 Teacher

Jake Harper

Jake is portrayed as a charming yet commitment-phobic individual grappling with his emotional past. His reluctance to settle down leads him to struggle with his feelings for Lainey, culminating in a profound personal journey. Ultimately, Jake learns the value of vulnerability and emotional honesty in relationships.

💘 Infidelity 🤔 Self-Discovery 👨‍💻 Entrepreneur

Setting


Time period

2002, Present

The film spans across two distinct time periods: the early 2000s and the contemporary present. In 2002, the characters navigate the complexities of youthful curiosity and early romantic experiences, while the present showcases the consequences of those decisions and the characters' growth over time.

Location

Michigan, College Dorm

The movie takes place primarily in Michigan, a state known for its vibrant college culture and beautiful landscapes. The college dorm setting highlights the youthful chaos and the struggles of personal relationships during formative years.

🏛️ College 🌆 Michigan

Themes


💔

Love & Heartbreak

The central theme revolves around love, heartbreak, and the complexities of adult relationships. Lainey and Jake's journey showcases the struggles of emotional intimacy and navigating past traumas while exploring new connections. Their experiences reflect on the challenges of trust, fidelity, and self-discovery in love.

🤝

Friendship

A significant theme is the importance of friendship as a foundation for romantic relationships. Lainey and Jake build a strong friendship that complicates their feelings, highlighting how deep personal bonds can evolve into something more amorous. Their friendship assists them in overcoming personal challenges and emotional misconceptions.

🌀

Self-Exploration

The theme of self-exploration plays a crucial role in the characters' growth. Lainey’s journey of understanding her own needs and desires, particularly her sexual health, is pivotal. The narrative emphasizes the significance of self-awareness in navigating intimate relationships.

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