🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Jenée LaMarque
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 30min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A frumpy twin fakes her death, steals her glamorous sister’s life, and then feels bad about it, all while a cute hipster sells used books nearby.
🍿 The Pretty One: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Laurel and Audrey
Laurel and Audrey are identical twins with strikingly different personalities. Audrey is confident and successful, working in real estate in the city. Laurel, introverted and insecure, lives at home with her father, assisting in his art reproduction business. Audrey’s life is envied by Laurel, creating a stark contrast between the sisters.

The Car Accident and Mistaken Identity
During a visit, Audrey and Laurel are involved in a car accident where Audrey tragically dies. Due to a series of circumstances and mistaken identity at the hospital, everyone believes Laurel has died and Audrey survived. Laurel, seeing an opportunity to escape her unfulfilling life, decides to assume Audrey’s identity.

Living as Audrey
Laurel moves to the city and tries to navigate Audrey’s life, including her job, friends, and relationships. She struggles to maintain the charade, especially when dealing with Audrey’s boyfriend, Charles, and her tenant, Basel, a kindhearted online bookseller. As Laurel grows closer to Basel, she begins to question her decision and the impact of her deception.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Laurel (Zoe Kazan): An introverted and insecure woman who seizes the opportunity to assume her deceased twin sister’s identity after a car accident.
- Audrey (Zoe Kazan): The confident and successful twin sister whose identity Laurel adopts, leading to complications and self-discovery.
- Basel (Jake Johnson): Audrey’s tenant and a kind-hearted bookseller who develops a connection with Laurel, believing her to be Audrey.
- Charles (Ron Livingston): Audrey’s boyfriend who grapples with the perceived changes in Audrey after Laurel assumes her sister’s identity.
- Frank (John Carroll Lynch): Laurel and Audrey’s father, who mourns the loss of his daughter and struggles to connect with the daughter he believes survived.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Basel: “They’re so perfect they seem fake. It’s like they’re in technicolor or something.” – Basel describes his neighbors, highlighting the contrast between perceived perfection and reality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $500,000 (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: $13,769
- Worldwide Gross: $13,769
💥 The Pretty One Reviews
Personal Review
I was drawn in by the premise and stayed for Zoe Kazan. The film explores themes of identity and grief in a very interesting way. It’s not perfect, but there are moments that feel very real and hit hard, especially Laurel’s struggle to become someone she’s not. The relationship with Basel added a layer of warmth to an otherwise sad movie. I found myself thinking about it for days after watching.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie dramas”
- “Viewers interested in stories about identity and self-discovery”
- “Those who enjoy Zoe Kazan’s acting”
- “Audiences looking for a quirky and thought-provoking film”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Deals with themes of grief and loss”
- “Contains some strong language”
- “Features mature themes related to identity and relationships”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Zoe Kazan shines, and Jake Johnson is great. But the plot is pretty bizarre. If you like quirky indie films, give it a shot. Don’t expect a typical rom-com though. It has a lot more on its mind.
- IMDB: “Not worth the time. The storyline just moves around a disturbed 20 something woman who is so desperate for a guy almost at all points of time.
- IMDB: “I enjoyed this film! The storyline can be weird but Zoe Kazan and Jake Johnson work so well together. It is a comedy, but also has some heartwarming scenes. Definitely a fun indie film to watch!
Audience Reactions
Zoe Kazan gives an outstanding performance portraying both twins.: Viewers appreciate the film’s exploration of identity and personal growth.
Jake Johnson brings a unique charm to his role as Basel.: Most people seemed to like the chemistry between Kazan and Johnson.
Overall Consensus: A quirky indie film with strong performances from Zoe Kazan and Jake Johnson, though the unusual plot may not appeal to everyone.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The script for ‘The Pretty One’ was featured on the 2011 Blacklist of Best Unproduced Screenplays of the Year, highlighting its potential even before production.”
- “Zoe Kazan, who plays both twins, had to differentiate her performance to portray the distinct personalities of Laurel and Audrey, requiring her to explore the nuances of their characters.”
- “Filming took place in Los Angeles, California, providing a backdrop that enhanced the film’s themes of identity and self-discovery within a vibrant urban setting.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Pretty One?
Currently, “The Pretty One” is available for streaming on platforms such as Vudu and Tubi, which offer ad-supported viewing. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand through services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Pretty One, you might like these similar films:
- Ruby Sparks (2012): Features a quirky and imaginative plot centered around identity and relationships, similar to ‘The Pretty One’s’ exploration of reinventing oneself.
- Safety Not Guaranteed (2012): Explores themes of identity, connection, and unconventional romance, resonating with the character-driven narrative of ‘The Pretty One’.
- Enough Said (2013): Focuses on finding love and self-discovery in unexpected circumstances, akin to Laurel’s journey in ‘The Pretty One’.
🛒 The Pretty One Related Products
- Drinking Buddies [Blu-ray]: Featuring Jake Johnson, this movie showcases his acting talent.
- Ruby Sparks [Blu-ray]: Starring Zoe Kazan, a writer creates his dream girl, only to find she has a mind of her own.
- Women’s Casual Long Sleeve Crewneck Color Block Striped Knit Pullover Sweater Top: Get a similar look to that of the main character.
- Used Book Subscription Box: Explore curated selections of used books.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Pretty One features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘The Pretty One’ is a drama about a woman who assumes her dead twin sister’s identity and must navigate the complexities of living a life that isn’t hers.
You can stream ‘The Pretty One’ on platforms like Vudu and Tubi, or rent/purchase it on demand via Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video.
The main actors are Zoe Kazan, who plays both Laurel and Audrey, and Jake Johnson, who plays Basel.
🔥 Bonus Content
How to Answer Any Question on a Test
Okay, so this video is *technically* about tests, but hear me out! It actually gives you some awesome strategies for tackling tough problems, which totally reminds me of the challenges the characters face in tt2140577. Give it a watch, it’s super short and might give you some new perspective!
He’s Mad , She’s Mad, Haha 😂 #shorts
Ever get that feeling when watching a movie when a couple is having a spat and you can totally relate? This short perfectly captures that chaotic energy in a hilarious way! It reminds me of some scenes in tt2140577, but way funnier. Check it out, it’s only a few seconds!
No One Knew I Am The Prettiest Girl, Until I Removed My Mask
I know this video is animated, but the underlying message about accepting yourself and realizing your inner beauty is powerful. It reminds me of the character development in tt2140577 and how sometimes, the biggest transformations happen within. It’s a bit longer, but totally worth the watch if you love a good story!
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