The Best and the Brightest 2011
Directed by
Josh Shelov
Made by
"DIA" Productions GmbH & Co. KG
Plot Summary
As the comedic adventure unfolds, we are introduced to Jeff (Neil Patrick Harris) and Sam (Bonnie Somerville), a devoted couple accompanied by their adorable five-year-old daughter, Beatrice. Eager for a new beginning, they decide to leave Delaware behind and venture to the bustling streets of New York City, all in pursuit of a better life and an exceptional education for their child. However, their exciting endeavor quickly transforms into a daunting challenge as they confront the cutthroat nature of the city’s educational system.
Determined to ensure that Beatrice secures a spot at a top school, Sam embarks on an ambitious quest, but she soon realizes that her timeline is tighter than anticipated. Out of sheer desperation, she seeks assistance from Sue Lemon (Amy Sedaris), a no-nonsense consultant known for her expertise in guiding parents like Jeff and Sam through the chaotic admissions process.
Initially, Sue is reluctant to take on their case, emphasizing the brevity of the timeline. However, Sam’s relentless commitment ultimately sways Sue, leading her to agree to help the couple navigate this tricky terrain in hopes of landing Beatrice in a prestigious institution. As part of their game plan, Sue concocts a ruse that requires Jeff to masquerade as a poet. Although he finds the idea preposterous, he reluctantly goes along, entertained by the absurdity of the situation, all to impress Katharine Heilmann (Jenna Stern), a key member of the school committee.
In preparation for the critical interview, Sam and Jeff arrange for Clark (Peter Serafinowicz), an old college buddy of Jeff’s, to look after Beatrice. Unbeknownst to them, Clark possesses a buoyant personality characterized by his proclivity for sharing risqué stories, easily leading to trouble, especially when a provocative chat printout makes its way into Jeff’s possession.
The day of reckoning arrives when Jeff and Sam face Katharine, who is captivated by what she perceives as Jeff’s original poetry, blissfully unaware of the truthful origins behind it. But just as everything seems to be going their way, an unforeseen incident involving Clark derails their admission aspirations.
Not one to give up easily, Sam, with support from Sue, devises an alternative strategy to curry favor with The Player (Christopher McDonald), a wealthy and influential figure at the helm of the school committee. This ignites a whirlwind of comedic hijinks filled with lies and deceptions that not only test Jeff and Sam’s bond but also compel them to assess the ramifications of their actions.
As Sam finds herself navigating a labyrinth of fabrications, she reaches a pivotal crossroads—will she pursue the dream life she’s yearned for, sacrificing her integrity in the process, or will she choose to return to Delaware as her authentic self? The decisions she faces will undoubtedly shape the future of her family, introducing a profound layer of significance amidst the light-hearted escapades.
Timeline
Departure from Delaware
Jeff and Sam, along with their five-year-old daughter Beatrice, make the significant decision to leave their home in Delaware behind. They are driven by the desire for a new beginning in New York City, hoping for a better life filled with opportunities and top-tier education for Beatrice.
Arrival in New York City
The family arrives in the bustling and vibrant streets of New York City, filled with excitement but also anxiety about the challenges that lie ahead. They are hopeful as they begin this new chapter, but soon discover the competitiveness of the city's educational system.
Sam's Quest for Education
Determined to secure a place for Beatrice at a prestigious school, Sam launches an ambitious quest. With the stakes high and a tight timeline, she starts to feel the pressure of navigating the complex admissions process.
Seeking Help from Sue Lemon
In her quest, Sam reaches out to Sue Lemon, a seasoned consultant known for her expertise in school admissions. Initially reluctant, Sue eventually agrees to help the couple after being impressed by Sam's dedication and urgency.
Jeff's Poet Disguise
Sue devises a plan that requires Jeff to pretend to be a poet in order to impress Katharine Heilmann, a crucial member of the school committee. Though hesitant about the absurdity of the idea, Jeff ultimately complies, finding humor in the situation as they aim for Beatrice's success.
Clark's Caretaking
To prepare for the important interview, Sam and Jeff enlist the help of Clark, an old college friend of Jeff. Though well-meaning, Clark's lively personality and tendency to share risqué stories bring unexpected trouble, complicating their plans.
Interview Day with Katharine
The big day arrives as Jeff and Sam sit down with Katharine for the pivotal interview. Captivated by what she believes is Jeff's original poetry, she remains unaware of the humorous truth behind it, giving the couple a glimmer of hope.
Clark's Mishap
Just when it seems like everything is going in their favor, a misfortune involving Clark throws a wrench in their plans. This unforeseen incident disrupts their carefully laid strategies and threatens Beatrice's chances at admission.
Alternative Strategy with The Player
Refusing to give up after the setback, Sam, with Sue's aid, hatches a new plan to appeal to The Player, a wealthy figure on the school committee. This shift leads them into a series of comedic scenarios filled with lies and deception as they fight for Beatrice's future.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Lies
As the plot thickens, Sam finds herself tangled in a web of fabrications and deceit, questioning the morality of her choices. The pressure builds as she realizes she must choose between pursuing her dream for a better life or staying true to herself and her values.
Confronting Personal Integrity
At a crucial turning point, Sam must weigh her desire for success against the integrity of her actions. The decisions she faces not only affect her dreams but also the future and unity of her family, leading to a path of self-discovery.
Resolution of Their Journey
As the comedic adventure comes to a close, Jeff and Sam reflect on their tumultuous journey through the chaotic admissions process. The experiences they’ve shared strengthen their relationship, reminding them of what truly matters in the pursuit of happiness.
Characters
Jeff
Jeff is portrayed as a devoted husband and father, navigating the trials of securing his daughter's place in a prestigious school. Although he often finds himself in absurd situations, his commitment to his family is unwavering. His character brings both humor and depth as he grapples with the challenges presented by the competitive educational landscape.
Sam
Sam is a determined and resourceful mother, willing to go to great lengths for her daughter's future. Her ambition drives the plot, leading to a series of comedic deceptions. As she navigates the chaos of school admissions, she faces moral dilemmas that challenge her integrity, making her an increasingly complex character throughout the story.
Beatrice
Beatrice, the adorable five-year-old daughter, embodies innocence and the desire for a bright future. While her character is largely shaped by the actions of her parents, she represents the stakes of their comedic adventures. Her well-being is the driving force behind Jeff and Sam's decisions.
Sue Lemon
Sue is a no-nonsense consultant with extensive knowledge of the school's admissions process. Initially reluctant to help, her character evolves to become a pivotal ally for Jeff and Sam. Her pragmatic approach contrasts with the couple's chaotic methods, injecting further humor into the narrative.
Katharine Heilmann
Katharine is a key member of the school committee, representing the gatekeepers of the educational institution Jeff and Sam aspire to enter. Her whimsical interpretation of Jeff's artful deception adds comedic tension, showcasing the absurdity of the admissions process.
Clark
Clark, an old college friend of Jeff's, brings a buoyant energy that poses both charm and chaos. His personality leads to humorous predicaments, especially with his penchant for sharing risqué stories, providing a foil to the serious undertones of the family's mission.
The Player
The Player is a wealthy and influential figure who holds power within the school committee. His character represents the elite status within the educational system that families like Jeff and Sam aspire to. His presence amplifies the stakes as the couple seeks to win his favor through outlandish means.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie occur in contemporary times, reflecting the modern challenges faced by families regarding education and the competitiveness of school admissions. This time frame encapsulates the societal pressures parents experience in the quest for the best opportunities for their children.
Location
New York City, Delaware
New York City is a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and thriving arts scene. As the backdrop for Jeff and Sam's journey, it symbolizes both opportunity and the challenges of urban life. In contrast, Delaware represents their past—a quieter, more suburban lifestyle that they hope to leave behind for a better future.
Themes
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Deception
The theme of deception is central to the narrative as Sam and Jeff navigate the tricky terrain of school admissions. Their attempts to manipulate perceptions lead to comedic yet poignant moments that test their morality and ethics. It highlights the lengths parents will go to secure a better future for their children while grappling with integrity.
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Family
Family is at the heart of the story as Jeff and Sam strive to provide the best for their daughter, Beatrice. Their journey underscores the dynamics of familial relationships, showcasing love, support, and the impact of choices on their tight-knit family unit. Ultimately, the decisions they make resonate beyond mere ambitions, affecting their bonds.
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Education
The educational system serves as a critical arena in the film, representing both aspiration and frustration. Jeff and Sam’s quest for Beatrice's admission into a top school shines a spotlight on the cutthroat nature of educational environments. It raises questions about what it really takes to succeed and the pressures families face to conform to societal expectations.
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