No Strings Attached

Emma Kurtzman and Adam Franklin meet as teenagers at a family summer camp. They cross paths over the years but don’t stay in touch, leaving their connection dormant for the moment.

As adults, Emma becomes a doctor in Los Angeles while Adam works as a production assistant on a musical television show. Their career paths diverge, hinting at different lifestyles and priorities. The divergent lives set up emotional distance that will later be bridged.

Adam discovers his father is dating his ex-girlfriend Vanessa, then gets drunk and calls several women. He wakes up on Emma's couch, where her friends tease him and she helps him find his clothes. They end up sleeping together, starting a casual, no-strings-attached arrangement.

Emma and Adam decide to keep their relationship casual, with no commitments. They navigate a loose, physical connection across their lives, trying to avoid emotional entanglements.

Adam develops romantic feelings for Emma and grows jealous of her colleague Sam. Emma, uncomfortable with deep emotional involvement, ends their arrangement to protect herself.

Emma realizes she misses Adam, and after a night of drinking, goes to his apartment. They sleep together again, rekindling something deeper than a casual fling.

On Adam's birthday, Alvin announces plans to have children with Vanessa, unsettling Adam. Emma supports him, and he asks her to go on a real date with him on Valentine's Day.

The Valentine's date goes well, but Emma makes clear she is not ready for a serious relationship. Adam, wanting more, decides to end their friendship rather than wait.

At her sister's wedding rehearsal dinner, Emma realizes she wants to be with Adam. She calls him, but he does not reciprocate. She drives to his apartment and finds him arriving with Lucy, leaving her heartbroken.

That night, Vanessa calls to say Alvin is in the hospital. Adam rushes to the hospital and finds Emma already there, informed by a colleague. Emma confesses her feelings, and Adam asks her to try having a real relationship.

Alvin recovers and breaks up with Vanessa after realizing she isn't truly committed. He later begins dating Lucy.

Adam and Emma begin a committed romantic relationship, moving beyond casual dating and toward emotional openness.

The film ends with Adam and Emma sharing a relaxed breakfast together, signaling the start of a lasting partnership and a new emotional openness between them.