Always Be My Maybe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two childhood friends who maybe hooked up once get back together after 15 years, but only after Keanu Reeves makes everything weird.

🍿 Always Be My Maybe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood Friends to Estranged Acquaintances

Sasha and Marcus, childhood best friends and neighbors, grow up together in San Francisco. Sasha frequently dines with Marcus’s family due to her parents’ absence, learning cooking from his mother. Tragedy strikes when Marcus’s mom passes away, drawing Sasha and Marcus closer, culminating in a teenage sexual encounter in his car. Immediately after, their paths diverge when Marcus reveals he’s not going to college, sparking an argument and a 15-year estrangement.

Reunion and Rekindled Sparks

Years later, Sasha, now a celebrity chef engaged to Brandon, returns to San Francisco to open a new restaurant. During her six-month break from Brandon (who has postponed their engagement), Sasha reconnects with Marcus, who still lives at home and works for his dad’s HVAC business. Awkwardness gives way to familiar comfort as they spend time together, navigating their changed lives and unspoken feelings.

Keanu Reeves Enters the Fray

Sasha begins dating and meets Keanu Reeves. A double date with Marcus and his girlfriend Jenny reveals Sasha’s long-held feelings for Marcus, leading to a bizarre confrontation between Marcus and Keanu. The night culminates in a physical altercation and the end of both couples. This chaotic event forces Sasha and Marcus to confront their unresolved issues.

The Uber Confession

After the disastrous double date, Sasha and Marcus argue in an Uber, only to passionately kiss. They begin dating and experiencing the challenges of integrating their vastly different lives. Sasha’s success and ambition clash with Marcus’s comfort in his familiar routine, leading to resentment and ultimately, another breakup.

Self-Discovery and Reconciliation

Following their separation, Marcus realizes his stagnation and begins to take control of his life. Sasha, meanwhile, prepares to open a new restaurant in New York. Marcus ultimately follows Sasha to New York, declaring his love and willingness to support her career. The film concludes with the opening of Sasha’s restaurant, named after Marcus’s mother, symbolizing their intertwined past and future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sasha (Ali Wong): A successful celebrity chef who returns to her hometown and reconnects with her childhood friend.
• Marcus (Randall Park): A happily-complacent musician still living at home and working for his dad, who rekindles an old spark with Sasha.
• Keanu Reeves (Keanu Reeves): A fictionalized, eccentric version of himself, who dates Sasha and creates comedic tension.
• Harry (James Saito): Marcus’s supportive father who encourages him to pursue his dreams.
• Veronica (Michelle Buteau): Sasha’s loyal best friend and assistant who provides comedic relief and support.
• Jenny (Vivian Bang): Marcus’s quirky and unconventional girlfriend who adds to the film’s humor.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Keanu Reeves: “I don’t need to taste a whole cake to know I like it.” – Keanu says this line at a restaurant, showcasing his pretentious and philosophical persona in the film.
• Marcus: “I always thought you were gonna be somebody.” – Marcus says this to Sasha, highlighting their shared history and his initial admiration for her ambition.
• Sasha: “I’m building an empire, Marcus. What are you doing?” – Sasha confronts Marcus about his lack of ambition, reflecting the conflict in their lifestyles.
• Veronica: “You two have so much history. You’re like the Asian When Harry Met Sally.” – Veronica observes the dynamic between Sasha and Marcus, drawing a humorous comparison to a classic rom-com.
• Marcus: “(Rapping) I saw Keanu Reeves smash a vase on his head / Then he looked at me and said, ‘Do you wanna go to bed?’” – Marcus raps about his absurd experience with Keanu Reeves, capturing the surreal humor of that encounter.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Always Be My Maybe Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed “Always Be My Maybe”! It was so relatable to see Sasha and Marcus navigating their different life paths and reconnecting after so long. The Keanu Reeves scenes had me cracking up, and I loved how the movie explored Asian-American identity and family dynamics. It’s a feel-good movie that I’ll definitely watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about Asian-American experiences”
  • “People who enjoy lighthearted, feel-good movies”
  • “Those looking for a movie with a strong comedic element”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief drug references”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “”Always Be My Maybe” is a charming and funny rom-com that benefits from the strong chemistry between Ali Wong and Randall Park. The film tackles themes of ambition, cultural identity, and the challenges of maintaining relationships over time, resulting in a refreshing take on the genre.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the plot is predictable, “Always Be My Maybe” shines due to its witty writing and the standout performances from its cast. Keanu Reeves’ self-deprecating cameo is a highlight, adding a layer of absurdity to the heartwarming story of rekindled romance.

Audience Reactions

Keanu Reeves’ hilarious and unexpected cameo.: Most viewers loved the comedic timing and the genuine connection between the two leads.

Relatable exploration of growing up and changing friendships.: Viewers appreciated the film’s authentic representation of Asian-American culture.

Overall Consensus: A charming and funny rom-com with strong performances and a hilarious Keanu Reeves cameo that explores themes of cultural identity and rekindled romance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ali Wong and Randall Park wrote the script with Michael Golamco, specifically with Keanu Reeves in mind for the role of Sasha’s boyfriend.”
• “Keanu Reeves was a fan of Ali Wong’s Netflix special ‘Baby Cobra’ and agreed to be in the film after reading the script, even quoting lines from her stand-up.”
• “The film includes a soundtrack with original songs and features the musical talent of Randall Park, who showcases his rapping skills.”
• “Filming took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and authentically portrays San Francisco through carefully selected locations.”

🖥️ How to Watch Always Be My Maybe?

Always Be My Maybe is currently streaming on Netflix. While it’s not available for direct purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, keep an eye out for potential future availability on those services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Always Be My Maybe, you might like these similar films:

• Crazy Rich Asians (2018): Features Asian-American leads navigating love and cultural identity with humor and heart.
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989): Explores the complexities of a friendship evolving into romance over many years.
• Fresh (2022): Deconstructs modern dating and the dark side of relationships with a blend of rom-com elements and unexpected twists.
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010): Features a protagonist grappling with past relationships while pursuing a new love, with quirky humor and unique visuals.

🛒 Always Be My Maybe Related Products

• Always Be My Maybe [Blu-ray]: A Blu-ray edition of the movie, perfect for collectors and fans who want to own a physical copy.
• Asian American Movies: Exploring Films, Families, and Identities: Book exploring Asian American representation in film, providing insights into movies like Always Be My Maybe.
• Chef’s Knife Set: A professional-grade chef’s knife set inspired by Sasha’s culinary career. Perfect for aspiring chefs.
• Signed Poster: Autographed cast poster of ‘Always Be My Maybe’.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Hello Pervert” – performed by Randall Park & Ali Wong
• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – performed by Vitamin String Quartet
• “La Isla Bonita” – performed by Vitamin String Quartet

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Always Be My Maybe Dinner Scene ft. Keanu Reeves | Netflix

Remember that hilariously awkward dinner scene with Keanu Reeves? This video lets you watch it again (and again!). I still can’t believe how well he played that character; you HAVE to see it.

Ali Wong on Her Famous Dress, Dirty Jokes & Keanu Reeves

Ever wondered how Keanu Reeves ended up in ‘Always Be My Maybe’? Ali Wong spills the beans in this hilarious interview! She also talks about her famous dress, which is pretty cool. Definitely worth a watch!

Randall Park – Taking Cues from Fans and Real Life for “Always Be My Maybe | The Daily Show

Randall Park breaks down the importance of ‘Always Be My Maybe’ and its realistic portrayal of Asian-American characters. It’s super interesting to hear about the thought process behind the movie. I didn’t even realize how much it meant until I saw this!

Keanu Reeves // Always be my maybe – Restaurant Scene (audio swap)

Okay, you HAVE to check out this version of the Keanu Reeves dinner scene where they replaced the music with super cheesy love songs. It’s absolutely hilarious and makes the scene even more awkward (in a good way!). I’m dying; you’ll love it!

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