HouseSitter Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy builds a house, a girl moves in, and everyone pretends it makes sense, resulting in moderate levels of awkwardness and eventual romance because…reasons.

🍿 HouseSitter: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Dream House and Rejection

Newton Davis, an architect, builds his dream house in his hometown hoping to marry his longtime girlfriend, Becky. He presents her with the house, complete with a large red ribbon, and proposes. Becky rejects him, stating she can’t marry a dreamer, leaving Newton heartbroken and stuck with the house. He’s unable to live there because of the rejection.

A Chance Encounter

Three months later, Newton meets Gwen, a waitress with a flair for storytelling (and fibbing), in Boston. After a one-night stand, Newton leaves in the morning, inadvertently leaving behind a drawing of the dream house. Gwen seizes the opportunity and travels to Newton’s hometown.

The HouseSitter Arrives

Gwen moves into the empty house and begins to tell everyone that she and Newton are married. She charms the townspeople, including Newton’s parents and even Becky, who starts to see Newton in a new light. Newton arrives in town to sell the house and is shocked to discover Gwen living there and posing as his wife.

A Deceptive Agreement

Newton initially angry, sees a potential opportunity. He proposes an agreement with Gwen: she will pretend to be his wife to make Becky jealous, and in return, she can live in the house and keep all the furniture. They stage arguments and fabricate stories to maintain the charade.

The Charade Thickens

As the charade continues, Gwen helps Newton reconnect with his parents and even impresses his boss, showcasing Newton’s architectural talents. Newton, in turn, starts to depend on Gwen’s ability to charm and manipulate situations. However, both begin to develop genuine feelings for each other, complicating their agreement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Newton Davis (Steve Martin): An architect who experiences romantic rejection and whose life is upended by a series of fabrications.
• Gwen (Goldie Hawn): A con artist who impulsively moves into Newton’s house and pretends to be his wife, leading to comedic chaos.
• Becky (Dana Delany): Newton’s longtime girlfriend who rejects his marriage proposal, only to later reconsider when he appears to be happily married.
• George Davis (Donald Moffat): Newton’s father who is initially disappointed by Newton’s secret marriage but quickly accepts Gwen into the family.
• Edna Davis (Julie Harris): Newton’s mother who warmly embraces Gwen and helps her settle into the community.
• Marty (Peter MacNicol): Newton’s friend from work who is able to kiss up and climb up the corporate ladder.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gwen: “Well, half the things we tell ourselves are fiction.” – Gwen defends their web of lies, suggesting everyone embellishes their life stories.
• Gwen: “I’m the Ernest Hemingway of bulls**t.” – Gwen self-deprecatingly acknowledges her talent for telling elaborate lies.
• Newton: “I love you, Gwen.” – Newton finally declares his true feelings for Gwen after chasing her down.
• Gwen: “Actually, it’s Jessica.” – The final line, revealing Gwen’s real name, is a last bit of playful deception.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $58,500,635
• Worldwide Gross: $94,900,635

💥 HouseSitter Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Housesitter’ isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but I adore it! Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn are magic together. Remember when she pretends to be Hungarian at the beginning? I still crack up every time. The whole thing is just so silly and fun, and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I need after a long day. It’s a total comfort movie for me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn”
  • “Lovers of 90s romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted, feel-good movies”
  • “Those looking for a movie with a charming New England setting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive situations”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Deception and lying as plot elements”

Professional Reviews

• New York Times: “Housesitter is a breezy comedy elevated by the comedic timing of Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. While the plot strains credulity, their performances provide genuine laughs and charm, making it a worthwhile viewing experience despite its shortcomings.
• Chicago Tribune: “Frank Oz directs a moderately funny film, but Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn save the day. The movie relies heavily on their performances, which keep it afloat even when the script falters. Ultimately, ‘Housesitter’ is predictable but provides some moments of good fun.

Audience Reactions

Goldie Hawn’s comedic performance is incredibly engaging and entertaining.: Viewers consistently praise the chemistry between Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn.

Many viewers felt that the overall plot was enjoyable, funny, and wholesome.: Numerous audience members found the plot to be humorous, heart-warming, and very clever.

Overall Consensus: A fun, lightweight comedy carried by the star power of Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn, though the plot requires some suspension of disbelief.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The house featured in the film was built specifically for the movie in Concord, Massachusetts, but was torn down shortly after filming concluded.”
• “Director Frank Oz is also known for his work as a puppeteer, most notably as the voices of Yoda in the Star Wars films and Grover and Cookie Monster on Sesame Street. This film showcases his skill in directing human actors as well.”
• “The film was shot in Cohasset, Massachusetts, chosen for its quintessential New England small-town charm, which perfectly fit the storyline’s setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch HouseSitter?

As of today, you can rent or buy ‘HouseSitter’ on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed HouseSitter, you might like these similar films:

• Overboard (1987): Features a similar premise of mistaken identity and a new persona leading to unexpected romance.
• While You Were Sleeping (1995): Involves a character assuming a false identity within a family, leading to romantic complications.
• Roxanne (1987): Starring Steve Martin, is a comedic romantic adaptation of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac,’ and features Martin’s signature wit.
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988): Directed by Frank Oz, this film has similar comedic stylings and features con artists in a humorous plot.

🛒 HouseSitter Related Products

• Housesitter [DVD]: Relive the laughs with the classic film starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. Perfect for a nostalgic movie night.
• Steve Martin: The Television Stuff: Explore Steve Martin’s iconic television work, spanning his hilarious stand-up routines to sketch comedy gold. A treasure trove of laughter.
• Goldie Hawn: A Lotus Grows in the Mud: An intimate memoir by Goldie Hawn about her life, her career, and the importance of family.
• Imagine Entertainment: A Decade of Movie Posters (1986-1996): Commemorative wall-art and posters of the movies done by the production company.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Name Game” – performed by Shirley Ellis

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

House Sitting – Saturday Night Live

Ever wonder what could go wrong when you leave someone in charge of your house? This SNL sketch perfectly captures the hilarious awkwardness, and honestly, it’s so relatable it’s scary!

✨ Rate