Mr. Wonderful

Mr. Wonderful

Year: 1993

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: Anthony Minghella

ComedyRomance

Love can arrive from unexpected places—or from someone you've known forever. Gus, an electrician, finally gets a shot at a childhood fantasy when he and a group of friends purchase an old bowling alley. Yet before he can celebrate, he must first secure a new husband for his ex‑wife so he can end his alimony payments.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Mr. Wonderful 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 & Setting – Mr. Wonderful (1993)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mr. Wonderful (1993). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Old bowling alley, Botanical garden, Hospital, Gus's apartment

Key locations include a weathered old bowling alley that Gus plans to buy with friends, symbolizing his dream of independence. A tranquil botanical garden is where Leonora and Gus's feelings surface and where the couple confronts their future. A hospital scene and Gus's apartment frame the story's emotional reckonings as love and alimony collide.

🏙️ Urban setting 🛠️ Blue-collar dreamscape

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:58

Main Characters – Mr. Wonderful (1993)

Meet the key characters of Mr. Wonderful (1993), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gus DeMarco (Matt Dillon)

An electrician and blue-collar dreamer, Gus is likeable and determined to escape the humdrum of alimony by buying a bowling alley with friends. He is loyal to Rita but haunted by unresolved feelings for Leonora. His bold bets uncover both his resilience and his stubbornness as he navigates love, money, and friendship.

💪 Blue-collar ❤️ Romantic 🎯 Dreamer

Leonora (Annabella Sciorra)

A college student who prefers intellectuals, Leonora finds herself drawn to Gus’s warmth yet wary of his blue-collar world. Her actions are influenced by the threat of alimony ending and the prospect of a more stable life with someone like Tom or Dominic. She grows to recognize what she truly values in a partner.

🎓 Intellectual 💖 Romantic 🧭 Independent

Rita Calley (Mary-Louise Parker)

Gus’s girlfriend who ultimately breaks up with him the day they plan to move in together. She supports him emotionally but feels the distance caused by his lingering feelings for Leonora. At the hospital, she remains a steady presence, showing loyalty even as romantic tides shift.

💔 Breakup ❤️ Romantic 🧭 Loyal

Tom Gough (William Hurt)

Leonora’s professor boyfriend, who is married and only partly serious about the relationship. He represents the intellectual, stable option that contrasts with Gus’s blue-collar charm. His presence annoys Gus while highlighting the choices Leonora faces.

🎓 Intellectual 💔 Complicated relationships 🔒 Married

Dominic (Vincent D'Onofrio)

One of Leonora’s would-be suitors, Dominic is a sophisticated alternative who poses a genuine option, adding pressure on Gus to act. His role amplifies the tension between desire and commitment as he proposes marriage to Leonora.

💼 Professional 💘 Intrusive suitor 🧭 Uncertain

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:58

Major Themes – Mr. Wonderful (1993)

Explore the central themes of Mr. Wonderful (1993), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💕 Love vs Duty

Romance in Mr. Wonderful is tested by financial obligations and social expectations. Gus schemes to speed Leonora’s remarriage to end alimony, forcing hard choices about loyalty, honesty, and what truly matters in a relationship. The film uses humor to explore whether love can survive practical pressures and material constraints.

💸 Money and Independence

Alimony and the dream of owning a bowling alley drive the plot, highlighting how money shapes romance and ambition. Gus’s blue-collar world collides with Leonora’s preferences for intellect, creating tension between financial security and emotional fulfillment. The narrative uses light comedy to question whether financial independence justifies questionable tactics.

🧭 Self-Discovery

Through a misadventure in matchmaking, Gus confronts his own true feelings for Leonora and what he wants from life. Leonora’s dating encounters reveal her values and what she ultimately seeks in a partner. The movie uses these encounters to show growth, realization, and the possibility of a second chance at love.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:58

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Mr. Wonderful

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mr. Wonderful 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 Mr. Wonderful is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mr. Wonderful Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mr. Wonderful, 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.

Mr. Wonderful Summary

Mr. Wonderful Timeline

Track the full timeline of Mr. Wonderful with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Mr. Wonderful Timeline

More About Mr. Wonderful

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mr. Wonderful: 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 Mr. Wonderful

Similar Movies to Mr. Wonderful

Discover movies like Mr. Wonderful 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.