The Perfect Date 2019
Directed by
Chris Nelson
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Brooks Rattigan, a determined teenage boy, aspires to gain admission to Yale, much to the dismay of his father, Charlie Rattigan, who encourages him to accept a full scholarship offer from the University of Connecticut. In an effort to support his college dreams, Brooks juggles part-time work at a sub shop alongside his best friend, Murph, a talented programmer. However, financial challenges loom large.
Seizing an unexpected opportunity, Brooks begins to pose as the boyfriend of his wealthy classmate, Celia Lieberman, from Greenwich. As he navigates the world of superficial dating, he discovers he possesses a remarkable ability to charm, particularly when he sets his sights on the beautiful yet snobbish Shelby. To elevate Brooks’ status, Celia deceives Shelby by claiming he hails from the affluent town of Darien instead of their working-class Bridgeport roots.
To enhance his dating venture, Murph develops an app that markets Brooks as a versatile plus-one for various occasions. When Celia reveals her crush on Franklin, they concoct a scheme to execute a faux breakup, believing it will allow them to pursue Shelby and Franklin without consequences. As Brooks gains popularity and business booms, he unintentionally alienates Murph, who feels sidelined and decides to end their collaboration.
Celia, hoping to help Brooks with his Yale ambitions, arranges an interview but grows upset when she finds out he has researched the Dean, feeling deceived by his dishonest persona. Brooks defends himself, arguing that it mirrors his actions with the app, claiming, > “It’s no different from what I’ve been doing.”
Over time, Celia acknowledges that Franklin may not be the right match for her, although she keeps this realization to herself. The duo’s staged breakup leaves Celia hurt and frustrated, leading to an unexpected slap from her, which Brooks, naively thinking it’s all part of the act, fails to comprehend.
Following their phony breakup, Shelby invites Brooks to her school’s formal, where they struggle to connect and engage in meaningful conversation. There, he encounters Leah, a girl who utilized his app for dating practice, who expresses her gratitude in front of Shelby, who reacts with offense. In a moment of honesty, Brooks reveals his true background, explaining his need for financial support to attend Yale. Shelby, feeling betrayed, calls him a liar and walks away.
Searching for solace, Brooks turns to Celia, but she declines to dance with him, asserting she doesn’t want to be someone he turns to last. Returning home, Brooks engages in a heartfelt discussion with his father, who reminds him that everyone is on a journey of self-discovery and expresses pride in his son’s personal evolution.
Ultimately, Brooks decides to embrace the University of Connecticut’s offer, rejecting the notion that he must alter his identity for Yale. He mends his friendship with Murph and meets with Celia to convey his thoughts in a heartfelt letter. In it, Brooks reflects on his previous aspirations of superficial success—driving flashy cars, attending elite schools, and dating the most beautiful girls—all of which led him to become a poor friend and an ungrateful son. He realizes his moments of authenticity and genuine connection were spent with Celia and expresses his desire to pursue a relationship with her.
Later, Celia visits Brooks to apologize for her earlier actions, and they venture to the sub shop transformed for an upbeat party, where Murph reveals his admission to UConn. Brooks and Celia reconcile, sealing their renewed bond with a kiss as Murph and the charming Tuna Melt join in the celebration. The four friends then dance joyously, bringing the film to a heartwarming conclusion.
Timeline
Brooks' College Aspirations
Brooks Rattigan is determined to gain admission to Yale, showcasing his ambition and commitment to education. This aspiration, however, clashes with his father's desire for him to accept a full scholarship from the University of Connecticut, creating tension in their relationship.
Part-Time Work
To support his college dreams amidst financial challenges, Brooks takes a part-time job at a sub shop alongside his best friend, Murph. Their friendship serves as a backbone for Brooks as he navigates the complexities of teenage life and impending adulthood.
The Boyfriend Ruse
Brooks seizes an unexpected opportunity to pose as the boyfriend of his wealthy classmate, Celia Lieberman, which transports him into a world of wealth and superficial dating. This decision marks a pivotal moment in his life, as he starts to gain confidence and charm others around him.
Impressing Shelby
As Brooks navigates this new lifestyle, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful but snobbish Shelby. With Celia's help, he enhances his image, leading to both personal growth and complicated social dynamics with his peers.
Murph's App Development
To support Brooks' dating venture, Murph creates an app that markets him as a versatile plus-one for various events. This innovation not only elevates Brooks' social status but also strengthens their friendship until unforeseen tensions arise.
The Faux Breakup Scheme
When Celia reveals her crush on Franklin, they devise a plan to stage a breakup, believing it will free them to pursue their true loves. This scheme adds complexity to their relationships and sets the stage for misunderstandings and emotional turmoil.
Celia's Disappointment
As Brooks prepares for an interview for Yale, Celia discovers he has been dishonest about his background, leading to feelings of betrayal. Their conversation highlights the internal conflicts Brooks faces between his ambition and his integrity.
The Formal Invitation
Following the staged breakup, Shelby invites Brooks to her school's formal. Their struggle to connect reveals the cracks in Brooks' facade, showcasing his internal conflict about his identity and the weight of expectation placed on him.
A Moment of Truth
During the formal, Brooks has a candid moment where he shares his true background with Shelby, confessing his financial struggles. His revelation does not go as planned, resulting in Shelby feeling deceived and repulsed, which leaves Brooks more isolated.
Seeking Solace
In the wake of the formal's events, Brooks seeks comfort from Celia, but she rebuffs him, illustrating the impact of their earlier deceptions. This moment underscores the emotional stakes of their relationship and the misunderstandings that have driven a wedge between them.
Fatherly Advice
Brooks returns home to engage in a heartfelt discussion with his father. He receives wise counsel about the journey of self-discovery, which helps him reflect on his recent choices and their implications on his relationships.
Embracing the UConn Offer
Ultimately, Brooks makes a pivotal decision to embrace the University of Connecticut's scholarship offer. This choice signifies not only a departure from his previous aspirations, but also an acceptance of his true self and values.
A Heartfelt Letter
Brooks writes a letter to Celia, reflecting on his journey and the superficial goals he had pursued. In this letter, he acknowledges his mistakes, realizing that genuine connections and friendships were far more valuable than status and appearances.
Celia's Apology and Reunion
Celia visits Brooks to apologize for her earlier actions, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation. Their visit to the transformed sub shop for a party becomes a turning point for both, filled with new beginnings.
Celebration and New Bonds
As Murph celebrates his own acceptance to UConn, Brooks and Celia share a kiss, symbolizing the rekindling of their relationship. The joyous dance party with their friends brings a heartwarming conclusion to their story.
Characters
Brooks Rattigan (Noah Centineo)
Brooks is a determined and ambitious teenager who aspires to attend Yale, showcasing both charm and vulnerability. Throughout the film, he grapples with the expectations placed on him by his father and the complexities of his fabricated persona. Ultimately, he learns the value of authenticity and genuine connections over superficial success.
Celia Lieberman (Laura Marano)
Celia is a wealthy classmate who becomes Brooks's partner in his dating venture, showcasing intelligence and emotional depth. She initially supports Brooks but becomes disillusioned with his dishonesty, leading her to reevaluate her own feelings toward Franklin. Celia's character arc reflects the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
Shelby (Camila Mendes)
Shelby is portrayed as a beautiful yet snobbish character, embodying the traits of privilege and superficiality. Her interactions with Brooks illuminate the challenges of navigating societal status and the consequences of deception in relationships. Over time, she clashes with Brooks's authenticity, revealing her own insecurities and expectations.
Murph (Odiseas Georgiadis)
Murph is Brooks's best friend and a talented programmer who creates the app that launches Brooks's dating scheme. His loyalty and tech-savvy nature are central to the plot, yet he struggles with feelings of neglect as Brooks gains popularity. Murph's journey emphasizes the importance of friendship and staying true to one's values amidst external success.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie occur in contemporary times, reflecting current trends in social media and dating. The characters' experiences resonate with modern teenage issues, including the pressures of college admissions and the influence of technology on relationships.
Location
Greenwich, Darien, Bridgeport
The movie takes place primarily in Connecticut, showcasing affluent areas like Greenwich and Darien, known for their wealthy residents and upscale lifestyles. In contrast, Bridgeport represents the working-class roots of the characters, highlighting the socioeconomic disparities they navigate. This geographical juxtaposition plays a significant role in the characters' aspirations and interpersonal dynamics.
Themes
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Ambition
The theme of ambition is central to the film, as Brooks strives to achieve his dream of attending Yale. His pursuit leads him to fabricate aspects of his identity, emphasizing the lengths individuals go to in order to reach their goals. Ultimately, Brooks learns that true success involves authenticity and meaningful connections rather than mere appearances.
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Relationships
The film explores various types of relationships, from friendships to romantic endeavors, highlighting the complexities of love and loyalty. Brooks's bond with Murph represents the importance of genuine friendship, while his interactions with Celia and Shelby reflect the challenges of superficial dating. The journey underscores the significance of honest communication in nurturing lasting connections.
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