Directed by
Aline Brosh McKenna
Made by
Netflix
In Los Angeles, 2003, after an evening filled with poker and playful banter, Debbie Dunn, portrayed by the talented [Reese Witherspoon], and Peter Coleman, played by [Ashton Kutcher], find themselves sharing a passionate night together at Debbie’s home. However, when Peter later contacts Debbie, he reveals that he is not interested in a serious relationship, stating he is too unpredictable for commitment.
Fast forward twenty years, and the pair have evolved into the best of friends. Peter has relocated to New York City, becoming a successful businessman, while Debbie stays in Los Angeles, working diligently as an accountant at her son Jack’s school. On Peter’s birthday, Debbie calls him to discuss her upcoming trip to New York, where she plans to enroll in an accounting program to secure a better-paying job—one that is crucial for covering Jack’s medication, which costs $1,000 monthly and will only be insured for another six months. During her visit, she will be staying at Peter’s apartment.
Debbie’s ex-husband’s actress girlfriend, Scarlet, played by [Rachel Bloom], is meant to look after Jack while Debbie is away, but she bails last minute to pursue a role in Vancouver. Understanding Debbie’s anxiety about leaving Jack alone for a week, Peter, who recently experienced a breakup and finds himself between jobs, generously offers to travel to Los Angeles to take care of Jack, who is now a teenager. He playfully refers to Debbie’s parenting style as “Saran Wrap parenting.”
Debbie is depicted as an exceedingly protective mother, dictating Jack’s social interactions at school, while Peter grapples with his relationship with his current girlfriend Becca, played by [Vella Lovell]. She has yet to meet Debbie and grows increasingly uneasy about Peter’s frequent communications with her. After Peter hesitates to reassure her, Becca ends the relationship.
In California, Peter witnesses firsthand the extent of Debbie’s overbearing parenting and takes it upon himself to help Jack unwind. He discovers Jack’s interest in hockey, despite Debbie’s warning about its dangers due to a past injury. Bureaucracies of Debbie’s stricter rules emerge, like banning takeout and disallowing Jack from watching TV before or during meals.
As Peter settles in, he gets sky-box tickets to a Los Angeles Kings hockey game, hoping to encourage Jack to invite friends, but not all goes as planned when they neglect him. Meanwhile, in New York, Debbie is attending her accounting classes, where she encounters Minka, portrayed by [Zoe Chao], who reveals to Debbie that Peter has authored a novel, something she had never known. Eager to support Peter, Debbie reads through the manuscript and finds a deep appreciation for his work. She pretends to be an editor to convince Theo Martin, a book publisher portrayed by [Jesse Williams], to take a chance on Peter’s novel.
As Peter becomes increasingly close to Jack, he finds himself bonding with Debbie’s gardener Zen, played by [Steve Zahn], discovering Zen’s success outside of gardening. Meanwhile, Debbie’s relationship with Theo grows, leading to a romantic night together, but complications arise when Peter witnesses this through a hidden camera in his apartment.
On the last day of her New York trip, Debbie passes her exam and stumbles upon Peter’s cherished mementos of her, hinting at unexpressed feelings. Theo proposes to keep dating her, but she admits her heart belongs to another. Back in Los Angeles, Jack’s hockey tryout goes poorly, resulting in an injury. Despite this, Jack enjoys his time with Peter and encourages his mother not to blame him for the mishap.
In a climactic reunion at LAX, Peter confesses his love for Debbie during a heated exchange, culminating in a passionate kiss. Six months later, Peter achieves his dream of becoming a published author and moves in with Debbie, who has become an editor at an indie publishing house, while Jack proudly plays on his hockey team.
A Night Together
In 2003, Debbie Dunn and Peter Coleman meet in Los Angeles for an evening filled with fun and poker. They end the night with unexpected passion at Debbie's home, hinting at a deeper connection.
The Breakup
After their passionate night, Peter reaches out to Debbie to express his reluctance for commitment. He tells her he is too unpredictable for a serious relationship, foreshadowing their future dynamics.
Twenty Years Later
Fast forward twenty years, Peter becomes a successful businessman in New York City while Debbie works as an accountant in Los Angeles. Their relationship has evolved, and they maintain a strong friendship despite the distance.
Debbie's Call
On Peter's birthday, Debbie calls to share her plans for a trip to New York. She intends to enroll in an accounting program that will help afford her son Jack's monthly medication expenses.
Parenting Challenges
Debbie's ex-husband's girlfriend, Scarlet, is supposed to watch Jack during Debbie's trip but bails last minute. Understanding Debbie's anxiety, Peter offers to travel to Los Angeles to help care for Jack.
Peter's Arrival
When Peter arrives in Los Angeles, he finds himself in the midst of Jack's teenage life. He humorously comments on Debbie's overprotective parenting style, which he refers to as 'Saran Wrap parenting.'
Hockey Discovery
As Peter spends time with Jack, he discovers Jack's interest in hockey, much to Debbie's dismay due to past injuries. Peter encourages Jack to embrace the sport, despite Debbie's strict rules.
The Hockey Game
Peter surprises Jack with sky-box tickets to a Los Angeles Kings game, hoping to help him connect with friends. However, Jack feels neglected during the event, revealing complexities in their relationship.
Accounting Class Bonding
While in New York, Debbie attends her accounting classes and learns about Peter's unpublished novel from a classmate. This revelation drives Debbie to support Peter by reviewing his manuscript.
Romantic Complications
Debbie begins a romantic involvement with Theo Martin, a publisher, but Peter's hidden camera unveils their intimacy. This complicates Peter's growing feelings for Debbie as he navigates his own relationships.
Debbie's Exam Success
On her last day in New York, Debbie successfully passes her exam while reflecting on Peter's feelings revealed through personal mementos. This moment of clarity leads her to reconsider her romantic choices.
Hockey Tryout
Back in Los Angeles, Jack fails his hockey tryout but enjoys his time with Peter. Even though Debbie initially blames Peter for Jack's injury, Jack urges her not to hold him responsible, showcasing their bond.
The Confession
In a climactic reunion at LAX, Peter finally confesses his love for Debbie amidst a heated exchange. Their conversation culminates in a passionate kiss, highlighting their deep-seated feelings.
Six Months Later
Six months after their confession, Peter achieves his dream of becoming a published author. He moves in with Debbie, who now works as an editor, while Jack proudly plays on his hockey team, signifying their new family dynamic.
Debbie Dunn
Debbie is portrayed as an exceedingly protective mother, whose overbearing nature stems from love and concern for her son's wellbeing. Her journey reveals her growth as she learns to balance her protective instincts with the need for her son to thrive independently. Throughout the film, her character evolves as she pursues her own aspirations.
Peter Coleman
Peter is a charming and unpredictable character who transitions from a carefree bachelor to a caring figure for Debbie's son, Jack. His character arc reflects personal growth as he confronts his romantic feelings for Debbie while navigating the complexities of his friendships and career aspirations. Peter's warm-hearted nature makes him a supportive ally to both Debbie and Jack.
Scarlet
Scarlet, Debbie's ex-husband's actress girlfriend, prioritizes her career over her responsibility to look after Jack. Her character adds to the complexity of Debbie's life as a single mother, showcasing the challenges of modern-day relationships and the impact on family dynamics.
Jack
Jack is Debbie's teenage son, caught between his mother's protective instincts and his desire for independence. His character showcases the struggles of adolescence, particularly in navigating interests like hockey, against maternal restrictions. Jack’s relationship with Peter introduces a positive male role model, encouraging him to explore his passions.
Theo Martin
Theo is a book publisher who finds himself romantically involved with Debbie. His character represents the duality of love and ambition, as he supports Debbie's professional aspirations while also seeking a romantic connection. His interactions with Debbie illustrate the complexities of relationships when feelings are involved.
Time period
2003, 20 years later
The story begins in 2003, showcasing a time of casual relationships and evolving friendships. Fast forward twenty years, to a more mature era where characters navigate complexities of parenthood, relationships, and career aspirations.
Location
Los Angeles, New York City
The movie primarily unfolds in Los Angeles and New York City. Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry and sunny weather, serves as Debbie's home and the backdrop to her protective parenting. New York City, with its bustling life and opportunities, represents Peter's professional success as a businessman and a writer.
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Love
At its core, the film explores themes of love and friendship. It highlights how deep connections can evolve over time, as seen with Debbie and Peter, who transition from a brief romantic encounter to lifelong friends. The narrative illustrates the complexities of love amidst life's responsibilities and the pursuit of personal dreams.
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Parenting
Parenting is a central theme, exemplified by Debbie's overprotectiveness towards her son, Jack. The film addresses the challenges of striking a balance between being nurturing and allowing children the freedom to explore their interests. Peter's interactions with Jack provide a contrasting style of mentorship that helps Jack grow.
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Aspiration
The theme of aspiration is present through the characters' journeys. Debbie pursues a better career in accounting, while Peter strives for success as a published author. Their aspirations drive their actions and influence their relationships, showcasing the importance of personal growth and ambition.
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