The Opposite of Sex 1998
Directed by
Don Roos
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Opposite of Sex (1998). 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.
The movie is a darkly comedic tale revolving around the self-centered and manipulative teenager, Dede Truitt. After a tumultuous funeral for her stepfather, she decides to flee her home and move in with her half-brother, Bill, a dedicated teacher navigating life in a conservative Indiana suburb.
Dede quickly entangles herself in chaotic relationships, seducing Bill’s young partner, Matt (Ivan Sergei), and deceitfully convincing him he is the father of her imagined pregnancy. In reality, the child’s true father is her past lover, Randy Cates (William Lee Scott). Their impulsive elopement triggers Bill and Lucia, Tom’s sister and his cautious companion, to embark on a wild chase to locate Dede and Matt, hoping to rectify the brewing scandal.
Amid this chaos, Matt’s former fling, Jason Bock (Johnny Galecki), threatens to expose a dark secret, alleging that Bill assaulted him during his school days. As the plot unfolds, they find Dede and Matt, only to realize she has stolen Tom’s ashes, seeking a ransom to return them. Randy’s arrival complicates matters further, as he and Dede plan to abscond with the ashes and start anew.
In an unforeseen twist, an argument escalates to tragedy, resulting in Dede accidentally killing Randy. They flee to Canada, but their troubles are far from over. After the birth of Randy Jr., Dedee faces the repercussions of her choices and returns the stolen ashes, expressing remorse for her actions. Following a short stint in prison, she moves back in with Bill, while Matt and Jason set off on their own journey and Lucia finds love with her old friend Carl (Lyle Lovett).
Ultimately, Dede, acknowledging that Randy Jr. would thrive better with Bill, makes the bold decision to leave once again. In her sardonic narration, she concludes that sex ultimately leads to entrapments like children, diseases, and heartbreaking relationships. The film wraps up with glimpses of authentic affection among the characters, starkly contrasting the fleeting nature of physical desire. The conclusion leaves audiences wondering if Dede will ever reconcile with her family.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Opposite of Sex (1998) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Funeral for Dede's Stepfather
The story begins with the tumultuous funeral of Dede's stepfather, where Dede's self-centered and manipulative nature becomes evident. This event sets the stage for Dede's decision to flee her home in search of freedom and escape from her troubled life.
Moving in with Bill
Dede moves in with her half-brother Bill, a dedicated teacher living in a conservative Indiana suburb. Despite Bill's intentions to help Dede stabilize her life, her chaotic behavior quickly disrupts his routine.
Entanglement with Matt
Dede seduces Bill's young partner, Matt, and deceitfully convinces him that he is the father of her fabricated pregnancy. This manipulation deepens the complications in Dede's already tumultuous relationships, leading to further chaos.
Elopement with Matt
Dede's impulsive elopement with Matt turns the situation upside down. Bill and Lucia, Tom's sister and cautious friend, find themselves embroiled in a frantic chase, trying to prevent a looming scandal created by Dede's actions.
Jason's Threat
Matt's former fling, Jason, poses a serious threat as he threatens to expose Bill, alleging past assault during their school days. This adds pressure on Bill, who is already trying to manage the fallout from Dede's manipulations.
The Discovery of Stolen Ashes
Bill and Lucia finally locate Dede and Matt only to discover that Dede has stolen Tom's ashes. Dede's decision to demand a ransom for their return escalates the drama and highlights her increasingly erratic behavior.
Randy's Arrival
The arrival of Randy, Dede's past lover, complicates the already chaotic situation even further. Dede and Randy plot to abscond with the ashes and start anew, revealing the depth of Dede's instability.
Tragic Argument
An argument erupts between Dede and Randy, which unexpectedly leads to tragedy when Dede accidentally kills him. This incident forcefully thrusts Dede into a whirlwind of guilt and escape cloaked in panic.
Fleeing to Canada
In the wake of Randy's death, Dede and Matt flee to Canada, hoping to escape the consequences of their actions. However, their troubles are far from over as they are haunted by their choices.
Birth of Randy Jr.
After the chaotic events, Dede gives birth to Randy Jr., which adds another layer of responsibility to her turbulent life. The presence of the child reminds her of her wrong choices and the unraveling nature of her reality.
Returning the Ashes
Faced with the repercussions of her tumultuous life, Dede decides to return the stolen ashes, indicating a moment of remorse for her past actions. This turning point showcases her struggle with guilt and seeking redemption.
Dede's Short Prison Stint
Dede serves a brief prison sentence, highlighting the legal consequences of her manipulative and reckless behavior. This period of confinement forces her to reflect deeply on her life choices and the people she has hurt.
Moving Back with Bill
After her release, Dede moves back in with Bill, seeking comfort and stability. However, the underlying tensions and unresolved issues in their relationship linger, creating an uneasy dynamic.
Matt and Jason's Journey
Meanwhile, Matt and Jason embark on their own journey, exploring the aftermath of their involvement with Dede. This separation emphasizes the diverging paths of the characters amidst the chaos of shared experiences.
Dede's Final Decision
Ultimately, Dede makes the bold choice to leave once again, recognizing that Randy Jr. would thrive better with Bill. In her sardonic narration, she reflects on the entrapments that relationships bring, leaving the audience pondering her future.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Opposite of Sex (1998) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Dede Truitt (Christina Ricci)
Dede is a self-centered and manipulative teenager who thrives on chaos and disruption. Her impulsive nature leads her to make shocking decisions, including seducing her brother's partner and faking a pregnancy. Throughout the film, Dede's character navigates a complex web of relationships, ultimately revealing her need for acceptance and fear of commitment.
Bill (Martin Donovan)
As Dede's half-brother, Bill serves as a stabilizing force trying to navigate the turmoil that Dede brings into his life. He is a dedicated teacher caught between his familial obligations and personal struggles. Bill's character represents the voice of reason and moral integrity, constantly wrestling with Dede's chaotic influence.
Lucia (Lisa Kudrow)
Lucia, Bill's cautious companion, embodies the hope for stability amid Dede's turmoil. She is depicted as sensible and caring, attempting to understand the complexity of the unfolding events. Throughout the film, Lucia seeks to support her brother while confronting her own feelings, leading to her eventual love interest with Carl.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Opposite of Sex (1998), 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 events of the movie take place in contemporary times, reflecting the societal issues and cultural norms of the late 1990s. This period was characterized by evolving views on relationships and familial responsibilities, which is echoed in Dede's complex decisions throughout the film.
Location
Indiana, Canada
The film predominantly unfolds in a conservative suburb of Indiana, known for its quiet neighborhoods and traditional values. The stark contrast comes into play when Dede's chaotic life clashes with the expectations of suburban living. The latter part of the story takes the characters to Canada, symbolizing a place for potential new beginnings and escape.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Opposite of Sex (1998). 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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Chaos
The theme of chaos is prevalent throughout the film as Dede's self-centered actions create turmoil in the lives of those around her. Her manipulative behavior leads to a series of disastrous events, from seducing her brother's partner to orchestrating the theft of her stepfather's ashes. This chaos ultimately forces the characters to confront their inner demons and the consequences of their choices.
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a recurring theme as the characters grapple with the emotional fallout of Dede's choices. Relationships are strained, and trust is shattered in the wake of her impulsive actions. The film portrays the ripple effects of her decisions on her family and friends, encapsulating the painful reality of lost love and familial ties.
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Escape
The concept of escape is symbolically intertwined with Dede's character, who seeks to evade the realities of her life through reckless behavior. Her flight to Canada represents an attempt to flee the consequences of her actions, yet it also highlights the futility in running away from one’s responsibilities. Ultimately, characters discover that true escape is found in accepting confronting their past.
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