Lay the Favorite

Lay the Favorite

Year: 2012

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Frears

Comedy

A charismatic young woman, previously an exotic dancer, discovers a remarkable talent for mathematics and finds herself drawn into the world of competitive gambling. She joins forces with a seasoned, fast-talking Vegas bookie and learns the ropes of high-stakes betting, navigating the complex and often unpredictable world of sports wagering while forging an unlikely partnership.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lay the Favorite yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Lay the Favorite (2012)

Trace every key event in Lay the Favorite (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Beth's Repetitive Life in Florida

Beth's life in Florida falls into a monotonous cycle of stripping and lap dancing. She grapples with feelings of stagnation and yearns for a change that aligns with her dreams.

Florida
2

Jerry Encourages Change

Her father, Jerry, sees her struggles and encourages her to break free from her current life. He urges her to pursue her long-time aspiration of moving to Las Vegas for a new beginning.

Florida
3

Arrival in Las Vegas

Beth arrives in the dazzling city of Las Vegas with high hopes of finding honest work as a cocktail waitress. The city's allure captivates her as she begins to envision a different future.

Las Vegas
4

Meeting Holly

At her motel, Beth meets Holly, a fellow resident who introduces her to the world of gambling. This chance encounter sets the stage for Beth's new adventures in Las Vegas.

Motel in Las Vegas
5

Encounter with Dink

Holly introduces Beth to Dink Heimowitz, a cunning professional gambler who recognizes her talent for numbers. Dink is impressed and affectionately begins to refer to her as his 'lucky charm'.

Las Vegas
6

Tulip's Jealousy

As Beth grows closer to Dink, his sharp-tongued wife, Tulip, makes it clear that she disapproves of their relationship. Tulip's interference forces Dink to consider distancing himself from Beth.

Las Vegas
7

Connection with Jeremy

A young journalist named Jeremy from New York meets Beth at the casino, and they form a meaningful connection. Together, they begin planning for a future where Beth would join him on the East Coast.

Las Vegas
8

Declining Dink's Plea

Enticed by the opportunities of city life, Beth ultimately declines Dink's request for assistance during his losing streak. This decision signals her growing ambition and desire for independence.

Las Vegas
9

Joining Jeremy in New York

After Dink’s breakdown and layoffs at his firm, Beth decides to seize the opportunity and joins Jeremy in New York. This marks a significant shift in her life as she embraces a new path.

New York
10

Conflict with Dink's Offer

Dink approaches Beth with a potential return to his team, compelling her to consider her loyalty to him against her ambition for a fresh start. This moment of indecision highlights her internal conflict.

New York
11

New Opportunities with Rosie

Ultimately, Beth makes the choice to work with Rosie, a rival bookie. This decision comes with its own challenges as she becomes entrenched in New York's dubious betting operations.

New York
12

Discovering the Dark Side

As Beth immerses herself in Rosie’s operations, she uncovers a troubling truth involving drugs and prostitution. This revelation motivates her to seek a way out of this dangerous lifestyle.

New York
13

Connection with Dave Greenberg

In her search for escape, Beth meets Dave Greenberg, a gambler burdened with debt. Their connection presents a potential opportunity for her to liberate herself from her perilous situation.

New York
14

Tulip and Dink's Arrival

Tulip and Dink travel to New York with the intention of aiding their friends, Beth and Jeremy. Unbeknownst to them, they stumble upon a valuable opportunity involving Greenberg.

New York
15

The Basketball Comeback

Thanks to Greenberg's insights, they ally with a New Jersey basketball team poised for a comeback. The exhilarating game culminates in a last-minute victory, filling everyone with a sense of breathless joy.

New Jersey

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 10:57

Unlock the Full Story of Lay the Favorite

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lay the Favorite in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lay the Favorite is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lay the Favorite Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lay the Favorite, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Lay the Favorite Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lay the Favorite

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Lay the Favorite. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lay the Favorite

More About Lay the Favorite

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lay the Favorite: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Lay the Favorite

Similar Movies to Lay the Favorite

Discover movies like Lay the Favorite that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.