Definitely, Maybe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad tells his daughter a bedtime story where he dates three different women, and she has to guess which one gave her life, turning dating into a guessing game, while Bill Clinton’s presidency serves as background noise.

🍿 Definitely, Maybe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Divorce and Storytelling

Will Hayes, a Manhattan political consultant in his thirties, is going through a divorce. His ten-year-old daughter, Maya, becomes curious about his life before marriage. She insists on hearing the story of how he met her mother and how they fell in love. Will agrees to tell her the story but changes the names of the women involved as a game for Maya to guess who her mom is.

The Clinton Campaign and Three Women

Will’s story begins in 1992, when he leaves his college sweetheart, Emily, in Wisconsin to work on Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in New York City. There, he meets April, a quirky and independent campaign worker, and Summer, an ambitious journalist and friend of Emily’s. Each woman represents a different path and potential love interest in Will’s life. The film explores Will’s relationships with these women against the backdrop of the Clinton campaign.

Career, Choices, and Lost Connections

As Will navigates the world of politics and advertising, he experiences professional successes and setbacks. His relationships with Emily, April, and Summer evolve and intertwine, leading to both joyful moments and painful separations. Each relationship influences his decisions and contributes to his personal growth. He faces tough choices between love, ambition, and personal integrity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds): A divorced father who recounts his romantic past to his daughter, revealing his journey through love and political ambition.
• Maya Hayes (Abigail Breslin): Will’s inquisitive daughter who prompts him to tell the story of his past relationships as she tries to understand love and her parents’ divorce.
• April Hoffman (Isla Fisher): An independent and somewhat cynical woman who works with Will on the Clinton campaign and becomes a close confidante and love interest.
• Summer Hartley (Rachel Weisz): A sophisticated and ambitious journalist who becomes involved with Will and challenges his political ideals and personal values.
• Emily Jones (Elizabeth Banks): Will’s college sweetheart who represents a sense of stability and the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship amidst changing life goals.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• April: “Definitely, maybe.” – April says this when Will is practicing proposing to Emily, and it becomes a phrase with deeper meaning to their relationship.
• Will: “I forgot to tell you the happy ending to the story… You.” – Will says this to Maya, emphasizing that despite the divorse, she is the positive outcome of his past experiences.
• Maya: “I just want you to be happy.” – Maya tells this to Will, expressing her simple wish for her father despite the complexity of their family situation.
• Will: “Love isn’t a fairy tale.” – Will says this, setting the stage for a more realistic and nuanced exploration of relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $37,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,241,649
• Worldwide Gross: $55,990,299

💥 Definitely, Maybe Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed watching this movie. Ryan Reynolds was charming, and Abigail Breslin was adorable. The storyline was unique, as it felt like a mystery, trying to figure out which of the three women was the mother. The ending was satisfying and left me with a warm feeling. The movie made me reflect on my own past relationships and how timing can be everything in life.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “People who enjoy films with a touch of nostalgia”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about relationships and personal growth”
  • “Those who appreciate Ryan Reynolds’ acting”
  • “Fans of Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz and Elizabeth Banks”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Divorce themes”
  • “Some suggestive dialogue”
  • “Brief discussion of infidelity”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Definitely, Maybe is a charming and clever romantic comedy that offers a fresh take on the genre thanks to its engaging storyline, solid performances from Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin, and its witty script.
• AllMovie: “The movie’s structure, with Ryan Reynolds narrating his romantic past to his daughter, allows for some creative storytelling, and the ensemble cast delivers strong performances. Definitely, Maybe is a pleasant and enjoyable romantic comedy that explores the complexities of love and relationships with humor and heart.
• Common Sense Media: “Definitely, Maybe is a sweet and thoughtful movie for older teens and adults, with good messages about relationships, choices, and second chances. It avoids the typical raunchy humor of rom-coms and provides an intelligent and heartfelt story.

Audience Reactions

The movie had a unique storyline that kept viewers guessing until the end.: Many viewers praised the movie for its witty dialogue and charming performances, especially the chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin.

The movie’s ending left audiences feeling hopeful and satisfied.: Several viewers appreciated the movie’s focus on the complexities of love and relationships, without resorting to typical romantic comedy tropes.

Overall Consensus: Definitely, Maybe is a well-received romantic comedy that offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre, thanks to its clever storyline and strong performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Isla Fisher has said that April is her favorite character she’s ever played.”
• “The film uses actual news footage and references events from the 1990s, immersing viewers in the time period.”
• “Reportedly, Director Adam Brooks encouraged improvisation from the cast, contributing to the natural and conversational feel of many scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Definitely, Maybe?

Definitely, Maybe is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. While it may not be currently included with a subscription on major platforms like Netflix or Hulu, it’s always worth checking as their catalogs change regularly. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray for physical ownership.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Definitely, Maybe, you might like these similar films:

• 500 Days of Summer (2009): Features a non-linear storytelling approach to explore a failed relationship, similar to how ‘Definitely, Maybe’ uses flashbacks.
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989): Explores the complexities of relationships over a long period, asking whether men and women can truly be just friends.
• High Fidelity (2000): Features a protagonist reflecting on past relationships to understand his present situation, presented with humor and insight.
• Dan in Real Life (2007): Features a single parent navigating complicated relationships while raising children.

🛒 Definitely, Maybe Related Products

• Definitely, Maybe (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition of the film, featuring improved picture and sound quality. Includes bonus content such as deleted scenes, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (Amazon Classics Edition): The timeless classic novel that plays a central role in the movie’s plot. Discover the story that connects the characters and adds depth to their relationships.
• Ryan Reynolds Signed Movie Poster: A rare, autographed poster featuring Ryan Reynolds. This limited-edition collectible captures the charm and wit of his performance, making it a must-have for dedicated fans.
• 1990s Nostalgia Music Playlist: A curated playlist featuring hit songs from the 1990s. This digital collection transports you back to the era when the film’s story unfolds, enhancing your connection with the movie’s themes and emotions.

🎧 Soundtrack

Definitely, Maybe features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Everyday People” – performed by Sly & The Family Stone
• “Bitch Face” – performed by Imran Hanif

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rick & Marty Lagina Chronicle A Treasure That Definitely Maybe Exists

Curious about the origins of the phrase ‘Definitely, Maybe’? Check out this hilarious Late Show clip where Stephen Colbert delves into its history with the stars of ‘The Curse of Oak Island’.

✨ Rate