Bright Lights, Big City

Jamie Conway's life is turned upside down when his wife, Amanda White, opts to pursue her modeling dreams in Paris, leaving him heartbroken. This event marks the beginning of Jamie's downward spiral into a world of partying and substance abuse as he struggles to cope with the loss.

In an attempt to escape his pain, Jamie immerses himself in New York City's nightlife. His days dissolve into a blur of cocaine and wild parties, reflecting his internal chaos and inability to process his emotions after Amanda's departure.

One morning, Jamie wakes up late for his job at Gotham magazine, where he works as a fact-checker. This incident leads to a stern warning from his boss, Clara Tillinghast, who stresses the importance of submitting his assignment, adding to his growing stress.

Feeling overwhelmed by his workload and emotional state, Jamie resorts to painkillers and sneaks away to the bathroom for cocaine. This decision reflects the depth of his desperation as he tries to manage both his job and the aftermath of his lovelife.

Despite having work to do, Jamie is convinced by his friend Tad to hit a trendy nightclub. At the club, Jamie speaks about his failing marriage to two women who recognize him as Amanda's husband, highlighting his struggle to move on from their relationship.

The following day, Jamie receives a call from his co-worker Megan, who expresses her concern for him. Luckily, Clara, his boss, falls ill, providing Jamie with a temporary reprieve from the consequences of his tardiness.

During a lunch meeting with Alex Hardy, a seasoned fiction editor, Jamie is encouraged to pursue his writing ambitions. However, he finds his mind drifting to thoughts of a mannequin resembling Amanda, revealing his unresolved feelings about their relationship.

Jamie learns that Amanda is back in town for a fashion show, spurring him to seek out Tad for a ticket to the event. The anticipation builds as Jamie grapples with the chance to see his estranged wife again.

While entertaining Tad's cousin Vicky, Jamie feels a connection and manages to stay sober for the night. Their innocent outing culminates in a kiss, offering Jamie a glimmer of hope amidst his turmoil.

In a devastating turn of events, Clara fires Jamie due to multiple mistakes in his work. This incident drives him further into despair, compounding the emotional turmoil from his personal life.

Jamie receives a call from his younger brother Michael, prompting a painful discussion about their family struggles following their mother's death from cancer. This call underscores Jamie's feelings of isolation as he struggles with guilt and loss.

Unable to contain his emotions, Jamie sneaks into a fashion show to confront Amanda. He calls out for her amidst the crowd, demanding answers regarding their broken marriage, but security swiftly removes him, deepening his anguish.

Upon returning home, Jamie finds Michael waiting for him. In a moment of vulnerability, he opens up about Amanda's departure, reflecting on the complexities of their relationship and questioning his motivations for being with her.

Jamie reminisces about his first meeting with Amanda in Kansas City, recalling her ambition and beauty. This flashback serves as a poignant reminder of what drew him to her and the sacrifices he made in pursuit of their relationship.

As dawn breaks over the city, Jamie experiences a moment of acceptance and clarity. He confronts his buried emotions, trading his designer shades for a baguette, symbolizing his readiness to face his feelings and allow himself to move forward.