The Valet

The Valet 2022

Directed by

Richard Wong

Richard Wong

Made by

Hulu

Hulu

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Plot Summary


Antonio Flores, a modest valet, shares a home with his mother, Cecilia, while navigating the complexities of life as a divorced father who co-parents his teenage son with ex-wife Isabel. On the other side of town, actress Olivia Allan finds herself entangled in a secret affair with the affluent yet married city developer, Vincent Royce.

One fateful evening, as Olivia spends time with Vincent, Antonio experiences an unfortunate accident nearby, leading to a photograph capturing the three of them, igniting rumors about an affair involving Olivia and Vincent. Concerned that a divorce from his wife, Kathryn, would jeopardize his business ventures, Vincent hatches a plan: he proposes that Olivia and Antonio pretend to be in a relationship. For her part, Olivia agrees to this charade to mitigate any potential negative gossip just before the premiere of her highly anticipated film, Earhart, where she portrays the iconic Amelia Earhart. In a bid to settle Isabel’s financial troubles, Antonio requests $12,850 from Vincent.

As the pair begins their ruse, they are greeted by a swarm of paparazzi during a lunch date, revealing not only Olivia’s abrasive demeanor but also highlighting her superficiality in public. Despite their blatant act, the narrative takes off, and everyone — save for Kathryn and Vincent — buys into their fabricated romance. However, Kathryn, suspicious of the situation, hires a private investigator to keep an eye on them during the premiere of Earhart. In a moment of confrontation, she criticizes Antonio’s job, prompting him to assert his worth. As the dust settles from the premiere, Antonio experiences unexpected fame, especially within the Latin American community.

Amidst this, Antonio’s friends help a drunken Olivia back to her home, where his family introduces her to a warm, loving breakfast filled with genuine affection. This familial bond begins to resonate with her, leaving Olivia introspective about her real life. Complications arise when Vincent mistakenly assumes that Olivia and Antonio have been intimate, breeding jealousy in him. Subsequent to Earhart receiving favorable critiques, Olivia’s concerns about Vincent linger. She later shows up at Antonio’s son’s school play, where he confesses the truth to Isabel. Their escapades take them to a Latin neighborhood, a place where Olivia can be incognito.

Back home, they feign a romantic encounter upon spotting private investigators observing them. Recognizing her unhealthy lifestyle choices, Olivia reflects on her circumstances. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Isabel declares she no longer wishes to be with Antonio, leading to a fierce argument between him and Olivia, culminating in their breakup. Tensions rise when Vincent lashes out at Antonio, resulting in his lawyer compensating Antonio with $25,000.

Tragedy strikes when Cecilia suffers a stroke and passes away, prompting Antonio to deliver a heart-wrenching eulogy at her funeral, honoring her struggles to furnish a better life for him and his siblings in the U.S. In the aftermath, Kathryn uncovers Vincent’s deceit, prompting her to file for divorce. Following Vincent’s arrest for embezzlement, Kathryn steps in to seize control of the company and the halted gentrification plans threatening Antonio’s neighborhood. As life begins to settle, Antonio finds solace and new beginnings with his friend, Natalie, embarking on a fresh romantic chapter.

Timeline


Antonio's Life Setup

Antonio Flores leads a modest life as a valet while living with his mother, Cecilia. He navigates the challenges of being a divorced father who shares custody of his teenage son with his ex-wife Isabel.

Olivia's Secret Affair

Actress Olivia Allan finds herself in a secret affair with Vincent Royce, a wealthy, married city developer. Their relationship is kept hidden from the public as Olivia's career hinges on her upcoming film.

The Accident

One evening, an accident involving Antonio occurs near where Olivia is with Vincent. This incident is captured in a photograph that sparks rumors about an affair involving Olivia and Vincent.

The Charade Proposal

In an effort to protect his reputation and business, Vincent proposes that Olivia and Antonio pretend to be in a relationship. Olivia agrees to this plan, hoping to mitigate negative gossip before her film premiere.

Lunch Date with Paparazzi

As Antonio and Olivia begin their ruse, they are bombarded by paparazzi during a lunch date. This moment highlights Olivia's abrasive personality and superficial lifestyle, bringing their fake romance to public attention.

Premiere of 'Earhart'

During the premiere of her film **Earhart**, tensions rise as Kathryn, Vincent's wife, hires a private investigator to keep tabs on Olivia and Antonio. A confrontation between Kathryn and Antonio leads to his assertion of self-worth.

Surprising Fame

Post-premiere, Antonio experiences unexpected fame, especially within the Latin American community. His newfound attention complicates his already shaky personal circumstances.

Bonding Breakfast

Antonio's family invites a drunken Olivia over for breakfast, showcasing a warm and affectionate family atmosphere. This experience leaves Olivia contemplating her own life and the genuine connections she lacks.

Dramatic Revelations

Vincent's jealousy escalates when he mistakenly believes that Olivia and Antonio have been intimate. Meanwhile, Olivia's concerns about Vincent grow, leading her to a school play where Antonio honors his relationship with Isabel.

Feigned Romance and Reflection

In a bid to throw off private investigators, Antonio and Olivia feign a romantic encounter. This situation prompts Olivia to reflect on her unhealthy lifestyle and the choices she has made.

Isabel's Decision

In a heartbreaking moment, Isabel tells Antonio that she no longer wishes to be with him. This declaration leads to a fierce argument between Antonio and Olivia, ultimately culminating in their breakup.

Vincent's Violent Confrontation

Tensions boil over when Vincent confronts Antonio aggressively about the situation. As a result, Vincent's lawyer compensates Antonio with $25,000, showcasing the depth of the entanglement.

Cecilia's Tragic Death

Tragedy strikes when Antonio's mother, Cecilia, suffers a stroke and passes away. Antonio delivers a heartfelt eulogy at her funeral, honoring her sacrifices for a better life.

Unraveling of Vincent's Lies

After uncovering Vincent's deceit, Kathryn files for divorce, shaking up the established power dynamics. This sequence of events begins to unravel Vincent's life as he faces legal troubles.

New Beginnings for Antonio

As life settles down after recent turmoil, Antonio finds solace in a budding romance with his friend Natalie. This new chapter signifies hope and the potential for a brighter future.

Characters


Antonio Flores (Eugenio Derbez)

Antonio is a humble valet and a devoted father, juggling his responsibilities while seeking to provide for his family. He is characterized by his strong moral compass, determination to support his ex-wife, and his unexpected rise to fame, which forces him to reassess his priorities. His journey reflects resilience and the quest for identity amidst struggles.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 💪 Resilience

Olivia Allan (Samara Weaving)

Olivia is a complicated character, an aspiring actress consumed by her career and the pressures of public image. Initially superficial, she undergoes significant development as she experiences genuine human connection and reflects on her choices. Her time spent with Antonio and his family forces her to confront her own life decisions.

🎬 Aspiration 🎭 Identity

Vincent Royce (Max Greenfield)

Vincent is a wealthy city developer whose ambition often blinds him to the consequences of his actions. His character encapsulates the tension between personal desires and professional responsibilities, becoming increasingly desperate to maintain control over his life as secrets unravel. He experiences jealousy and insecurity throughout the narrative.

💰 Wealth 😡 Jealousy

Cecilia (Carmen Salinas)

Cecilia, Antonio's mother, serves as a heartwarming figure representing familial love and sacrifice. Her struggles embody the challenges faced by immigrant families striving for a better life, and her passing marks a significant emotional turning point for Antonio, adding depth to his character arc.

❤️ Family ✨ Sacrifice

Isabel (Marisol Nichols)

Isabel is Antonio's ex-wife, encapsulating the complexities of co-parenting and personal dissatisfaction. Her character provides insight into the difficulties of managing relationships post-divorce, navigating her own financial troubles while prioritizing their son’s well-being.

🤝 Co-parenting 💔 Heartbreak

Setting


Time period

The film unfolds in contemporary times, capturing the complexities of modern relationships and the impact of fame on personal lives. Themes of family dynamics and societal expectations are intricately woven into the narrative, highlighting struggles that resonate today.

Location

Latin neighborhood

The Latin neighborhood serves as a cultural enclave rich in tradition and community. It is a place where families gather and support one another, contrasting the superficiality of the glamorous life Olivia is accustomed to. This neighborhood plays a pivotal role in Olivia's journey towards self-reflection and authenticity.

🌆 Neighborhood 📍 Location

Themes


❤️

Love & Deception

The theme of love intertwines with deception in the film, as Antonio and Olivia navigate the complexities of their fabricated relationship. Their charade not only brings unexpected consequences but also invites introspection about their true feelings and worth. This blend of romance and pretense prompts characters to confront their vulnerabilities and desires.

💼

Ambition

Ambition drives the characters, particularly Vincent, who is willing to manipulate relationships to protect his business interests. The film explores how ambition can often lead to ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices, affecting not only one's career but also intimate relationships and family ties.

🎭

Public Persona

The theme of public persona is prevalent, as Olivia navigates the scrutiny of paparazzi and public perception. Her journey highlights the contrast between personal authenticity and the façade created for societal acceptance. The film challenges characters to break free from external judgments and embrace their true selves.

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