Nothing in Common (1986) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

In the bustling rhythm of 1970s Chicago, a young advertising executive thrives on polished pitches and the sleek allure of corporate triumph. David Basner moves through sleek offices and lively nightspots, his confidence bolstered by a career that seems to promise endless ascent. Yet beneath the glossy surface of his professional world, the city's pulse carries hints of personal unease, suggesting that success may demand more than clever slogans.

When David’s parents announce the end of their 36‑year marriage, the carefully curated balance of his life begins to wobble. His mother, Lorraine, and his father, Max, become reluctant anchors, pulling him into a role he never anticipated—mediator, caretaker, and reluctant bridge between their divergent hopes. The sudden shift forces David to confront the stark contrast between the bright, controlled world of advertising and the messy, intimate realities of family.

Complicating the picture further is David’s lingering connection to his former lover, Donna, whose frank observations about growing up echo the larger theme of maturity versus comfort. Alongside this, a demanding client—a powerful airline—introduces the formidable Andrew Woolridge, whose relentless expectations mirror the pressure David feels in both his personal and professional spheres. A tentative romance with Woolridge’s daughter, Cheryl Ann Wayne, adds another layer of intrigue, hinting at how personal desires may intersect with career ambitions.

The film blends sharp wit with heartfelt drama, painting a portrait of a man at a crossroads where ambition and obligation collide. As David navigates office politics, the shifting dynamics of his parents’ relationship, and the pull of old loves, the tone remains both reflective and gently humorous, inviting the audience to consider what truly defines success when the lines between work and family blur.