About Fate (2022) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

In an intriguing twist of fate, Margot Hayes (Emma Roberts), a determined realtor, and Griffin Reed (Thomas Mann), an earnest lawyer, find themselves leading parallel lives in nearly identical neighborhoods. As December 30 approaches, Margot is filled with anticipation, expecting her boyfriend Kip (Lewis Tan) to propose just in time for her sister's wedding. However, when the romantic moment fails to happen, Margot decisively walks away from her expectations.

On the other side of town, Griffin is in a challenging spot as he prepares to propose to his Instagram influencer girlfriend Clementine (Madelaine Petsch). Instead of a simple commitment, Clementine insists that he re-propose for an audience the following night. This leaves Griffin feeling demoralized, prompting him to drown his sorrows in a night out with friends, which eventually leads him to Margot's apartment.

Upon stumbling into Margot's home, Griffin is taken aback by the altered ambiance – the cat seems different, the interior is askew – yet he remains blissfully unaware due to his inebriation. Margot, returning home, discovers an unexpected guest making himself comfortable in her bed.

Soon after, Kip arrives looking for his tuxedo, only to find Griffin sprawled out next to Margot. This encounter ignites a wave of confusion, forcing Kip to exit in a huff and leaving Griffin in a state of bewilderment. With the wedding looming, Margot desperately needs someone to accompany her, so she convinces Griffin to step in – considering her family has never seen Kip before and has no idea what he looks like.

Thus, their improbable adventure begins, along the way meeting an elderly couple who reminisce about enduring love. The wise matriarch hands Margot a sentimental pink coat, sharing how it played a crucial role in her journey toward reuniting with her spouse after a painful separation.

As the wedding festivities kick off, Griffin unintentionally takes on Kip's persona, captivating guests with his unexpected charisma. However, the facade crumbles when the real Kip arrives, unraveling the charade to the families involved. In the midst of the chaos, Margot and Griffin start to recognize their true feelings for one another.

Later, Margot visits Griffin's apartment with his forgotten belongings, revealing a tattoo of a griffin on her shoulder. This sparks a tender moment as they share a passionate kiss. Their magical connection is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a distraught Clementine, prompting Margot’s swift exit.

The following day, Griffin finds himself at a café with his parents, revisiting the spot where he first met Margot. As they offer him words of comfort about the elusive nature of true love, the previously gifted pink coat reappears, foreshadowing Margot's return. In a romantic twist, Griffin and Margot share a heartfelt kiss, solidifying their newfound bond in an instant.

In the end, the movie hinges on the idea of fate and serendipity bringing Margot and Griffin back together. After a series of awkward misunderstandings and the typical chaos that accompanies romantic comedies, Margot and Griffin realize that their connection is genuine. Margot, who initially doubts that their meeting was more than chance, discovers that their bond might have been destined when she finds a tattoo of a half-man, half-bird — a Griffin — on her own back. This symbolizes the idea that their souls are intertwined, predestined to unite. The movie's final scene shows Margot returning Griffin’s bag and expressing her belief that their encounter was fate, which is reinforced when she unexpectedly appears at his lunch with her coat, acknowledging that their timing is finally right. Their reconciliation signifies that they have chosen love over uncertainties and doubts, affirming the romantic notion that sometimes, love is indeed written in the stars. The narrative concludes on this hopeful note that true love might be worth waiting for, and that sometimes, destiny is just a matter of believing in the magic of the moment. However, the film also questions whether love based on fate is truly genuine or just a fortunate coincidence, leaving viewers to ponder whether their happily-ever-after is real or just an illusion. In the end, Margot and Griffin walk into their future together, embracing the idea that maybe, just maybe, love is about trusting that everything happens for a reason.