Directed by
Michael Brandt
Made by
Image Entertainment
Simon James, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is a young Canadian man navigating life in London, England. His chaotic day begins when, after exiting a tube train, his briefcase gets caught in the door, leading to the unfortunate loss of both his bag and ID badge, which he desperately needs for work. Upon arriving at the office, Simon attempts to persuade his boss, Wallace Shawn, to consider his ideas for the business. To complicate matters further, Simon learns he is set to tutor his boss’s daughter, Melanie, played by Yasmin Paige.
During a visit to a nursing home to see his mother, Phyllis Somerville, Simon meets another resident who ominously suggests that he is “not right.” Back in his apartment, Simon develops an obsession with his attractive co-worker, Hannah, portrayed by Mia Wasikowska. He watches her through a telescope and discovers her in the process of destroying her artwork. When he retrieves the torn pieces and brings them back to his home, he finds solace in reassembling her work.
One fateful night, Simon witnesses a man leap from a ledge above Hannah’s apartment, watching helplessly as he falls to his death. After discussing the tragedy with police detectives, he learns that a slight change in position could have saved the man’s life.
In an attempt to connect with Hannah, Simon takes her out to dinner, but his plans get interrupted by a call from his mother. When he returns, he finds Hannah has left a note promising to see him later. In a bid to impress her, Simon decides to trade in his television for cash to buy her a gift.
While at work, Simon encounters a doppelgänger - James Simon, who is also played by Jesse Eisenberg. Unfortunately, nobody else seems to notice their striking resemblance. As Simon faints from the shock, he eventually finds himself spending more time with James, who becomes increasingly popular at work and catches Hannah’s eye. On a date with her, Simon pretends to be James, with James feeding him lines through an earpiece. This charade culminates in disaster when James kisses Hannah, deepening Simon’s feelings of betrayal.
Matters spiral further when Simon finds himself cornered by James, who skillfully blackmails him to gain access to his apartment. Tension mounts when Hannah becomes obsessed with spying on James to see if he is unfaithful. When Simon confronts James, he is violently attacked, leading to a breaking point in his sanity. His emotional outburst at work sees him fired, driving Simon to a dark place, where he contemplates suicide.
In a twist of fate, he discovers that Hannah has overdosed and brings her to the hospital, where he learns of her tragic miscarriage from a liaison with James. As Simon grapples with the loss of his mother and the reality of his deteriorating situation, he confronts James during her funeral. This confrontation results in a brutal realization about their mirrored existence.
Pushed to the brink, Simon handcuffs James and takes a leap from a ledge intending to end it all. In a stroke of irony, he survives the fall with severe injuries while Hannah rushes to his side. Amid the chaos, James meets his demise, and Simon, even in pain, replies with a newfound clarity: “I’d like to think I’m pretty unique.” In a journey of identity and self-discovery, Simon emerges from the shadows, hoping to finally be seen and acknowledged.
Simon loses his belongings
After exiting the tube train in London, Simon James finds himself in a chaotic situation as his briefcase gets caught in the door. This unfortunate event leads to the loss of both his bag and ID badge, which he desperately needs for his job.
Simon meets his boss
Upon arriving at the office, Simon attempts to persuade his boss, Wallace Shawn, to consider his innovative ideas for the business. Despite his nervousness, Simon pushes through his anxiety in hopes of making an impression.
Tutoring Melanie
Simon discovers he will be tutoring his boss's daughter, Melanie, which adds another layer of complexity to his work life. This unexpected responsibility further complicates his already chaotic routine.
Visit to the nursing home
During a visit to a nursing home to see his mother, Simon meets an ominous resident who suggests that he is 'not right.' This unsettling encounter adds to Simon's feelings of disconnection from his surroundings.
Obsession with Hannah
Back in his apartment, Simon develops an unhealthy obsession with his attractive co-worker, Hannah. He begins to spy on her through a telescope and is troubled to find her destroying her own artwork.
Simon witnesses a tragedy
One night, Simon witnesses a man leap from a ledge above Hannah's apartment, leading to his tragic death. This haunting experience fills Simon with guilt as he realizes that a minor adjustment could have saved the man's life.
Dinner with Hannah
In an effort to connect with Hannah, Simon takes her out to dinner, but his plans are interrupted by a call from his mother. When he returns, he finds a note from Hannah promising to see him later, giving him a glimmer of hope.
Meeting James, the doppelgänger
While at work, Simon encounters a doppelgänger named James, who also resembles him strikingly. This shocking encounter leads Simon into a bizarre situation as nobody else recognizes the similarity.
Simon pretends to be James
During a date with Hannah, Simon pretends to be James with the help of earpiece-fed lines from James. This deception leads to turmoil when James kisses Hannah, intensifying Simon's feelings of betrayal.
Simon is blackmailed
Things take a turn for the worse when James blackmails Simon to gain access to his apartment. As Simon is forced into a corner, the tension builds and Hannah becomes obsessed with spying on James.
Simon confronts James
After a violent confrontation, Simon finds himself cornered by the enraged James. This encounter leads Simon to have a mental breakdown at work, culminating in him being fired, which deepens his despair.
Hannah's tragedy
In a stark twist of fate, Simon discovers that Hannah has overdosed and rushes her to the hospital. There, he finds out about her tragic miscarriage and her connection to James, sending Simon into emotional turmoil.
Confrontation at the funeral
Amidst the sorrow of losing his mother, Simon confronts James during her funeral. The encounter results in an intense acknowledgment of their mirrored lives and the twisted reality they share.
Simon's leap
Pushed to the brink of despair, Simon handcuffs James and jumps from a ledge in a desperate attempt to escape his life. Ironically, Simon survives the fall, albeit with severe injuries, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.
Emerging from the shadows
As chaos ensues, Simon reflects on his experiences with newfound clarity. Following James's demise, he expresses a poignant realization about his identity, asserting, 'I'd like to think I'm pretty unique,' as he begins to reclaim his life.
Simon James
Simon James is a young and imaginative man plagued by feelings of inferiority and desperation. He embodies the struggles of navigating modern relationships and societal expectations. As he encounters various life challenges, his character oscillates between vulnerability and fragility, ultimately leading him on a journey of self-discovery.
James Simon
James Simon, the embodiment of Simon's doppelgänger, represents everything Simon wishes he could be: confident, charming, and successful. His sudden appearance and charisma not only threaten Simon's sense of self but also complicate his relationships. James serves as a catalyst for Simon's emotional upheaval.
Hannah
Hannah is Simon's infatuation, an artistic soul struggling with her own demons. Her character reflects the complexities of love and the impact of personal tragedy on relationships. As she becomes entangled in the lives of Simon and James, her journey reveals themes of vulnerability and loss.
Melanie
Melanie, portrayed as the daughter of Simon's boss, adds another layer to Simon's life as he tries to navigate his professional and personal responsibilities. Her presence brings a mix of innocence and complexity to Simon’s chaotic world, further illuminating his struggles.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern struggles of loneliness and the quest for self-identity. During this period, technology and urban life create both opportunities and barriers in personal connections. Simon's experiences resonate with the challenges faced by individuals in today’s society.
Location
London, England
London is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. It serves as a bustling metropolis where various lives intersect, providing a backdrop for Simon's journey of identity. The city's atmospherics enhance the emotional weight of the narrative, illustrating Simon's isolation amidst the throngs.
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Identity
The theme of identity is central to Simon's journey as he grapples with his self-worth and navigates a world where he feels invisible. The appearance of his doppelgänger, James, exacerbates his insecurities and creates a crisis of self, leading to a quest for recognition and individuality. Ultimately, Simon's struggle emphasizes the importance of being seen and understood.
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Isolation
Isolation is a poignant theme depicted throughout the film as Simon experiences profound loneliness despite being surrounded by people. His obsessive behavior towards Hannah and the eventual betrayal by his doppelgänger highlight the emotional distance between individuals in contemporary society. This isolation drives him to the brink and shapes his desperate actions.
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Duality
The concept of duality is explored through Simon and James, serving as representations of contrasting aspects of the self. Simon's feelings of inadequacy escalate as he compares himself to James, who embodies confidence and charm. This duality underscores the conflict within Simon, ultimately challenging him to confront his fears and embrace his true identity.
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