Something New Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A successful Black woman hires a white landscaper, falls in love, and then faces the ultimate dilemma: should she stick to her preferences or embrace the something new, which basically boils down to yard work and interracial dating.

🍿 Something New: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Kenya’s World

Kenya McQueen is a successful, career-driven African-American CPA in Los Angeles. She’s on the verge of becoming partner at her firm, but her personal life is lacking. Her friends constantly encourage her to loosen up and find love, expressing concern about her rigid checklist for the “ideal black man.”

The Blind Date

Kenya reluctantly agrees to a blind date, but is immediately turned off when she discovers her date, Brian Kelly, is white. Despite the initial awkwardness, she cuts the date short and dismisses the possibility of a relationship. However, fate intervenes when she admires a landscaping job at a party, only to discover it was Brian’s work.

An Unlikely Partnership

Needing her own yard landscaped, Kenya hires Brian. As they work together, an unexpected connection begins to form. Despite her initial reservations and the pressures from her friends and family, Kenya finds herself drawn to Brian’s free spirit and genuine nature. This creates tension as she navigates her own preconceived notions and societal expectations.

Navigating Relationships and Expectations

Kenya faces scrutiny from her friends and family, who question her choice to date outside of her race. Her mother disapproves, and her brother voices concerns. Meanwhile, Brian struggles to understand Kenya’s experiences as a black woman in a predominantly white corporate world. These challenges test their bond and force Kenya to confront her own biases.

The Ideal Black Man

Kenya is introduced to Michael, a successful black lawyer, who seems to embody everything she initially sought in a partner. However, she finds herself missing the spark and spontaneity she shared with Brian. This realization forces her to confront what she truly values in a relationship versus what society dictates she should desire.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kenya Denise McQueen (Sanaa Lathan): A successful, career-driven accountant who is challenged to reconsider her preferences when she falls for a white landscaper.
• Brian Kelly (Simon Baker): A free-spirited and charming landscaper who breaks down Kenya’s preconceived notions about love and race.
• Suzette (Golden Brooks): One of Kenya’s close friends who offers advice and support as she navigates her interracial relationship.
• Nedra (Taraji P. Henson): Another of Kenya’s supportive friends, who adds her perspective on love and relationships to the group dynamic.
• Cheryl (Wendy Raquel Robinson): Kenya’s outspoken friend, whose relationship with Walter provides a contrasting viewpoint on relationships.
• Dr. Brockton (Russell Hornsby): Kenya’s father
• Mark (Blair Underwood): An attractive and successful black lawyer who represents Kenya’s ‘ideal’ but ultimately doesn’t capture her heart.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brian Kelly: “I take it you don’t do white guys.” – Brian says this to Kenya after she is visibly uncomfortable upon meeting him for their blind date.
• Kenya Denise McQueen: “I just happen to prefer black men. It’s not a prejudice, it’s a preference.” – Kenya defensively responds to Brian’s question about why she seems uninterested in him because of his race.
• Brian Kelly: “Sure, it’s your preference to be prejudice.” – Brian replies sarcastically to Kenya’s justification of her dating preferences.
• Kenya Denise McQueen: “It’s not like I have a choice, Brian. Being black is something I always have to think about. It’s exhausting.” – Kenya explains the constant awareness and pressure she feels as a black woman in a predominantly white professional environment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,468,568
• Worldwide Gross: $11,483,669

💥 Something New Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Something New.’ Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker had incredible chemistry. The film tackles themes of identity, societal pressure, and finding love outside one’s comfort zone. It made me think about how cultural expectations can sometimes limit our experiences, but it also made me want to dance with a hot gardener. I particularly loved the scenes where Kenya grapples with her feelings and the reactions of her friends. It felt so authentic and reminded me of conversations with my own girlfriends. I also liked the scene with Brian at her family’s party.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about interracial relationships”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with strong female leads”
  • “People who appreciate films that explore societal issues with humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some mature themes related to relationships and cultural expectations”
  • “Occasional suggestive dialogue”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Sanaa Hamri’s directorial debut tackles interracial dating with a light heart, though the romance often feels trite, its gravity pertinent, and its message clear: people are people.
• Original: “Something New is a refreshing take on romantic comedies, the solid acting and believable chemistry, keeps you interested until the end. I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed with a sense of class and dignity. This movie can be enjoyed with a diverse audience.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers enjoyed the film’s honest portrayal of the challenges and joys of interracial relationships.: The chemistry between Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker was a highlight for most, making the love story believable and engaging.

Overall Consensus: A sweet and relatable romantic comedy with a fresh perspective on interracial relationships and cultural expectations.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sanaa Hamri’s feature directorial debut.”
• “The working title of the movie was ‘42.4 Percent’, referring to the statistic about the percentage of single, successful black women.”
• “The movie explores themes of interracial dating, societal expectations, and self-acceptance within the African-American community.”
• “This film is written, directed, and produced by Black women.”

🖥️ How to Watch Something New?

Something New is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred digital retailer for pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Something New, you might like these similar films:

• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967): A classic film that also deals with the complexities and prejudices surrounding interracial relationships, exploring similar themes of family acceptance and societal expectations.
• Jungle Fever (1991): Spike Lee’s film provides a more raw and controversial look at interracial relationships, focusing on the cultural and social clashes that can arise.
• Love & Basketball (2000): Starring Sanaa Lathan, explores the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with romantic relationships, resonating with the themes of self-discovery in ‘Something New’.
• Jumping the Broom (2011): A more recent romantic comedy that highlights the blending of different cultural backgrounds within the black community, similar to the exploration of interracial dynamics in ‘Something New’.

🛒 Something New Related Products

• Something New [DVD]: Own this heartwarming romantic comedy on DVD and enjoy the charming performances again and again.
• Sanaa Lathan Autographed Photo: A limited-edition autographed photo of Sanaa Lathan as Kenya McQueen. A unique piece for collectors.
• Landscaping Design Books: Explore landscaping design options to beautify your outdoor space just like Brian Kelly’s character.
• Interracial Romance Novels – Kindle Edition: Enjoy stories of interracial relationships and finding love across cultural boundaries.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Quite Simply” – performed by Tori Alamaze featuring CeeLo Green

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Something New | Sanaa Lathan Begins To Open Her Heart to Simon Baker

Ever wondered when Kenya really started falling for Brian? This clip shows a sweet and important moment where she lets her guard down a bit. It’s pretty cute!

Something New (2006) – Blind Date Brian Scene (1/10) | Movieclips

Remember that totally awkward blind date moment? This clip perfectly captures Kenya’s initial surprise and hesitation when she meets Brian. It’s definitely a scene you can relate to!

Something New (2006) – I Want An Adventure With You Scene (10/10) | Movieclips

I love the boldness in this clip! It shows how Kenya and Brian decide to embrace their love, regardless of what others think. It’s truly inspiring.

Something New – Kenya/Brian – Colorblind

Want to see the movie’s love story from a whole new angle? This fan-made music video is set to ‘Colorblind’ and it’s surprisingly touching. You gotta check it out!

✨ Rate