Love Hard (2021) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Natalie Documents Her Dating Disasters

Natalie Bauer, a dating column writer based in Los Angeles, begins to document her series of disastrous dates she encounters through a dating app. This sets the stage for her journey into the world of online dating and the unpredictability it entails.

Where

Los Angeles, California

Natalie's Connection with Josh

After expanding the search radius on her dating app, Natalie matches with Josh Lin. Their connection deepens through several long phone calls, leading her to feel a strong affection for him, despite never having met in person.

Trip to Lake Placid

Excited to surprise Josh for Christmas, Natalie travels to his hometown of Lake Placid, New York, promising her boss that this will mark the end of her dating disasters. She anticipates a joyful holiday with Josh, fueled by their growing bond.

When

Christmas

Where

Lake Placid, New York

The Catfish Revelation

Upon arriving, Natalie discovers she has been catfished by Josh, who used another man's pictures. While furious, she learns that the man behind the pictures, Tag Abbott, is Josh's childhood friend, complicating her feelings further.

Where

Lake Placid, New York

Pretending to Be a Couple

Josh proposes that Natalie pretends to be his girlfriend for the holidays to save face. Reluctantly, she agrees and spends time with the Lin family, navigating the complexities of this newfound deception.

When

During the holidays

Where

Lin family home

Climbing Gym Date

Josh sets up a date for Tag and Natalie, introducing her as his cousin. To impress Tag, she fabricates interests such as rock climbing, concealing her fear of heights until Josh steps in to help her at the climbing gym.

Where

Climbing gym

Owen's Jealousy

Natalie meets Osh's brother Owen, who feels overshadowed by his brother's success. During a Christmas caroling event, Owen's jealousy erupts when he announces his wife's pregnancy, prompting Josh to propose to Natalie in a moment that feels pressured.

When

Christmas

Where

Lin family's Christmas gathering

Engagement Announcement

The local newspaper prints Josh and Natalie's engagement announcement, forcing them to scramble to collect copies to prevent Tag from seeing it. This moment exposes the fragility of their fabricated relationship and further complicates their emotions.

Conflict at the Steakhouse

Natalie finds herself at a steakhouse on a date with Tag, where Josh confronts her about compromising her vegetarian beliefs. Their argument reveals deeper issues in their relationship, particularly around honesty and integrity.

Where

Steakhouse

Nursing Home Q&A Chaos

At a nursing home, Natalie and Josh lead a chaotic Q&A session about online dating. Josh delivers a heartfelt monologue about truthfulness, prompting both him and Natalie to confront their own burgeoning feelings amidst the distractions of the attendees.

Where

Nursing home

Surprise Engagement Party

The Lin family organizes a surprise engagement party for Josh and Natalie, where Tag introduces Natalie to his parents. Tensions rise when Natalie's boss informs Owen about her dating column, insinuating that Natalie may not be genuine in her feelings for Josh.

Where

Steakhouse

Natalie's Speech of Truth

During the engagement party, Natalie makes a heartfelt speech in front of everyone, including Tag, where she reveals her true feelings. This act of honesty leads her to leave the Lin household, determined to resolve her internal conflicts.

Where

Lin family's engagement party

Josh's Career Revelation

Encouraged by Natalie’s bravery, Josh finds the courage to tell his father that he wants to pursue his passion for candle-making instead of running the family store. This marks a pivotal moment of self-discovery for Josh, reflecting the impact Natalie has on his life.

Where

Lin family store

Nataly's Realization of Love

While waiting at a lodge overnight, Natalie sees Josh's new dating profile, which portrays his true self. Realizing that she has fallen for him, she heads back to his house to confront her feelings and seek a genuine connection.

Where

Lodge

Their Emotional Reunion

Natalie returns to Josh's house, ready to embrace her true feelings. They share a kiss, solidifying their connection and the hope for a brighter future together, free from the lies that initially brought them together.

Where

Josh's house