Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Layover (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Kate (Alexandra Daddario) and Meg (Kate Upton) have been friends since childhood and currently share a cramped apartment in Seattle, where they are both facing personal challenges. Kate, an English teacher, finds herself uninspired and pressured to leave her job by Principal Moss (Rob Corddry), who believes she would thrive in a different career. Meanwhile, Meg, working as a cosmetics salesperson, is struggling to sell dubious North Korean beauty products. One fateful night, the duo decides to drink away their stress, prompting the free-spirited Meg to suggest a vacation to reinvigorate their lives. Although the cautious Kate is initially hesitant, she soon agrees after discovering that Meg has booked non-refundable tickets to Fort Lauderdale using Kate’s frequent flyer miles.
Their flight to Florida, however, gets off to a rocky start, with Kate stuck in a window seat while Ryan (Matt Barr), a dashing firefighter heading to a wedding, occupies the middle seat. Both women are immediately smitten and engage in some lighthearted flirting, but Kate’s anxiety gets the best of her, causing her to take too many pills and pass out. Shortly into the journey, the plane is diverted to St. Louis due to a hurricane warning, forcing the girls to check into the Sheraton hotel. There, they fortuitously run into Ryan, who invites them for drinks at the hotel club. When the hurricane delays his travel further, the girls take it upon themselves to cheer him up, even engaging in a playful dance-off.
As the next day unfolds, chaos ensues during a hot air balloon ride, where Kate grapples with her fear of heights and Meg inadvertently injures their one-eyed pilot. Things take a turn for the worse when Meg also harms herself after a daring pool trick. Once the hurricane passes, the girls hitched a ride with Craig (Matt Jones), a jewelry salesman who is smitten with Meg but constantly rebuffed. In a series of comedic misadventures, Kate’s embarrassing childhood photos become the source of amusement, only for Meg to lock Kate in a gas station bathroom, leading to a rather humorous escape.
As the narrative progresses, the girls take turns in wooing Ryan, leading to a series of misunderstandings, including a car crash orchestrated by Craig after he unknowingly consumes wine laden with sleeping pills. This incident lands the group in a motel for the night, where tensions mount between Kate and Meg, culminating in a dramatic confrontation spurred by jealousy and miscommunication regarding Ryan.
When they learn that Ryan is actually the groom-to-be at a wedding they rushed to stop, the plot thickens. Realizing the wedding is too late to prevent, they confront Ryan, who reveals his complicated relationship history with his fiancée, Genevieve. Rather than expose him, the girls choose to let him be, feeling that his marriage will hold its own challenges.
In the aftermath of their wacky escapades, Meg seeks to mend her relationship with Craig, while Kate decides to redefine her teaching approach, requesting more creative freedom from Principal Moss. Ultimately, both women recognize the importance of independence and personal growth, moving a few blocks away from each other but remaining steadfast friends.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Layover (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Childhood Friendship
Kate and Meg have been inseparable friends since childhood, forming a deep bond that has helped them navigate life's challenges. Their friendship sets the foundation for the series of events that follow, illustrating the importance of support and companionship.
Career Pressures
Kate, an English teacher, faces pressure from Principal Moss to leave her job due to her lack of inspiration. Meanwhile, Meg struggles in her role as a cosmetics salesperson, trying to sell dubious North Korean beauty products that conflict with her values.
Drinking Away Stress
Feeling overwhelmed by their personal challenges, Kate and Meg decide to drink together one night. In a moment of spontaneity, Meg proposes a vacation to reinvigorate their lives, which ultimately leads to unexpected adventures.
Booking the Trip
Despite her initial hesitation, Kate agrees to the vacation when she learns Meg has purchased non-refundable tickets to Fort Lauderdale using her frequent flyer miles. The decision marks a turning point in their journey towards self-discovery and fun.
Rocky Flight
Their flight to Florida starts off poorly for Kate, who is stuck in a window seat while flirting with Ryan, a charming firefighter. Just as things seem to brighten, Kate's anxiety spikes, leading her to take too many pills and pass out during the flight.
Emergency Stop in St. Louis
The plane's journey takes an unexpected detour when it is redirected to St. Louis due to a hurricane warning. Forced to stay at a Sheraton hotel, Kate and Meg encounter Ryan again, leading to a serendipitous night of drinks and dancing.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The following day, the adventures continue with a hot air balloon ride that pushes Kate’s fear of heights to its limits. Amidst the chaos, Meg accidentally injures their pilot, demonstrating the unpredictability of their vacation.
Mishaps with Craig
After the hurricane passes, the girls hitch a ride with Craig, a jewelry salesman infatuated with Meg. Their journey is filled with humorous incidents, including Kate's embarrassing childhood photos and a hilarious bathroom escape after being locked in.
Misunderstandings Over Ryan
As the plot unfolds, both women vie for Ryan's attention, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings, including a car crash orchestrated when Craig unwittingly consumes sleeping pills. This incident elevates the tension within their friendship.
Confrontation with Ryan
When they discover that Ryan is the groom-to-be of a wedding they aim to stop, the conflict intensifies. Facing the complexities of Ryan's relationship with his fiancée, Genevieve, the girls must decide whether to interfere or allow him to navigate his challenges.
Broader Choices
Instead of exposing Ryan, Kate and Meg choose to respect his situation, demonstrating their growth and understanding of relationships. This decision marks a significant moment of maturity for both characters, as they navigate the complexities of friendship and love.
Mending Relationships
In the aftermath of their chaotic vacation, Meg reflects on her connection with Craig, seeking to repair their relationship. Meanwhile, Kate contemplates her teaching career and decides to ask Principal Moss for more creative freedom, signaling her growth.
Independence and Growth
Ultimately, both women recognize the importance of independence and personal growth throughout their journey. Though they decide to move a few blocks apart, their friendship remains strong, proving that they have both matured from their experiences.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Layover (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kate
Kate is an English teacher struggling with her career and self-esteem, driven by the need for creative freedom. Although she presents a cautious facade, her journey exposes her vulnerabilities and desire for change. Kate's character embodies the theme of personal growth and the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone.
Meg
Meg is the fun-loving best friend who serves as a catalyst for adventure in Kate's life. Her carefree attitude often gets them into trouble, yet her charm and positivity shine, driving the comedic aspects of the story. Meg represents the allure of embracing spontaneity and living life to the fullest.
Principal Moss
Principal Moss is the well-meaning yet overbearing figure who pressures Kate to pursue a different career path. He embodies the authority figures in education that often impose unrealistic expectations on their students. His role serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in professional environments.
Ryan
Ryan is the charming firefighter caught in the whirlwind of Kate and Meg's vacation. His presence as a romantic interest complicates the dynamic between the two friends, causing jealousy and rivalry but also offering moments of light-hearted flirtation. Ryan's character illustrates the complexity of romantic relationships.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Layover (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie captures modern-day challenges faced by its characters, including career pressures and the complexities of friendships. The themes resonate with contemporary issues, such as personal growth and the quest for independence.
Location
Seattle, Fort Lauderdale, St. Louis
The movie spans across multiple vibrant locations, starting in Seattle, a bustling city known for its coffee culture and iconic Space Needle. The adventure continues in Fort Lauderdale, famous for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Additionally, St. Louis serves as a brief stopover, characterized by its rich history and the iconic Gateway Arch.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Layover (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Friendship
At its core, the film highlights the resilience and evolution of friendship. Kate and Meg navigate their ups and downs while grappling with their insecurities and romantic interests. Their bond is tested by misunderstandings, yet they ultimately learn to prioritize their relationship amidst chaos.
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Chaos
The film is punctuated by comedic misadventures and chaotic events, such as hurricane threats and unexpected injuries. These elements serve to amplify the unpredictability of their journey, reflecting the turmoil often present in life's escapades and the need for humor during difficult times.
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Adventure
The characters embark on an adventurous vacation to escape their mundane realities. This journey showcases the thrill of spontaneity, as they find themselves in outrageous situations that lead to personal revelations and growth.
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