The Next Best Thing Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A yoga instructor and her gay best friend get drunk, accidentally create a child, then fight over it when she finds a boyfriend who sells dreams of New York, turning their unconventional family into a daytime TV custody battle.

🍿 The Next Best Thing: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Drunken Pact

Abbie Reynolds, a yoga instructor, and Robert Whittaker, her gay best friend, decide to have a child together after a drunken night. They agree to raise the child as platonic co-parents, providing a loving and unconventional family structure. This sets the stage for the unique dynamic that shapes their lives.

An Unconventional Family

Five years pass, and Abbie and Robert successfully co-parent their son, Sam. They navigate the challenges of raising a child while maintaining their individual lives and relationships. Their close bond is tested as they face the everyday hurdles of parenthood, proving that family comes in many forms.

Custody Battle

Abbie falls in love with Ben Cooper and wants to move to New York with him and Sam. Robert is devastated by the prospect of losing his son and a bitter custody battle ensues. Their once-unbreakable friendship is strained as they fight for what they believe is best for Sam.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abbie Reynolds (Madonna): A yoga instructor who decides to have a child with her gay best friend, leading to unexpected complications when she falls in love with someone else.
• Robert Whittaker (Rupert Everett): A gay man who agrees to father a child with his best friend, facing a custody battle when she decides to move away with their son.
• Ben Cooper (Benjamin Bratt): Abbie’s love interest who complicates the established family dynamic when he proposes marriage and a move to New York.
• Sam (Malcolm Stumpf): The child caught in the middle of a custody battle between his mother and her gay best friend turned co-parent.
• Elizabeth Ryder (Illeana Douglas): Robert’s lawyer who helps him navigate the complicated custody battle against Abbie.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robert: “Well, that depends, are you interested or are you just acting interested?” – Robert’s witty response when Ben asks if he is gay, showcasing his playful personality.
• Abbie: “I miss him. He was totally me!” – Abbie states this after breaking up with Ben.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,990,582
• Worldwide Gross: $24,362,772

💥 The Next Best Thing Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this film expecting a lighthearted rom-com, but boy, was I wrong. The beginning was fun, but things quickly turned into a messy custody battle that left me feeling uneasy. I really wanted to root for the characters, but the script and acting made it hard. I think I would skip this one in the future.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Madonna and Rupert Everett”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional family dynamics”
  • “Those seeking a drama with comedic elements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Depictions of alcohol use”
  • “Custody battle drama”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite the star power, ‘The Next Best Thing’ suffers from a weak script, unconvincing performances (especially from Madonna), and a generally muddled and melodramatic storyline. A messy film trying to tackle sensitive themes with little success.
• Just Jared: “Rupert Everett says his friendship with Madonna strained after starring in this movie together.

Audience Reactions

Rupert Everett’s performance as the charming best friend was a stand out.: Many agreed Rupert Everett’s performance was good, even if the story was not

Some viewers found the unconventional family dynamic thought-provoking.: Some viewers found the movie interesting despite flaws

Overall Consensus: The movie is considered a critical failure with an implausible script and a weak performance from Madonna. Rupert Everett’s acting is praised by some viewers.

Awards

1. Razzie Award (Worst Actress)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rupert Everett originally disliked the script and turned down the role. Paramount offered him a producing and writing credit and the right to pick his co-star to get him to accept.”
• “During production, Rupert Everett was fired as producer and co-writer, leading to tension on set.”
• “The film’s poor reception led to strained relations between Madonna and Rupert Everett, who were close friends prior to filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Next Best Thing?

The Next Best Thing is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. You can also find physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Next Best Thing, you might like these similar films:

• The Kids Are All Right (2010): Explores similar themes of unconventional family structures and parental rights.
• My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997): Features Rupert Everett in a prominent gay role, exploring themes of friendship and romantic complications.
• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Deals with a contentious custody battle, mirroring the dramatic conflict in the latter half of the movie.

🛒 The Next Best Thing Related Products

• Madonna – The Immaculate Collection [Blu-ray]: Relive Madonna’s iconic music videos and performances! High-quality restoration brings these classics to life, showcasing her unmatched stage presence and artistry. Perfect for fans who love her music.
• Rupert Everett Signed Photo: Own a piece of film history! This signed photo captures Rupert Everett’s charming persona. A must-have for collectors and fans alike, showcasing his memorable roles.
• Yoga Mat: Channel Abbie’s Zen vibes with this high-quality yoga mat. It’s perfect for improving your balance and finding inner peace. Non-slip surface, comfortable cushioning, and easy to clean.
• Family Law (DVD): Explore similar family dynamics with this series about a custody battle. Experience the legal twists and emotional struggles. If you found The Next Best Thing interesting, this is for you.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Boom Boom Ba” – performed by Métisse

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

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