As Ryden Malby (/actor/ryden-malby) stands on the brink of graduation, her meticulously crafted academic journey since high school feels both rewarding and precarious. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in English, she faces the uncertainties of a late-2000s recession, her enthusiasm slightly dulled by the stark realities surrounding her.
The graduation ceremony itself unfolds in a whirl of drama as Ryden's family arrives fashionably late, sparking a chain reaction of chaos. Her father, Walter, despite his best intentions, takes the helm of every situation, while her mother, Carmella, vigilantly oversees the family’s meager resources with a hawkish eye. Meanwhile, Ryden’s younger brother, Hunter, brimming with youthful energy, is fixated on a boxcar derby.
Amid this swirling backdrop, Ryden encounters her longtime rival, Jessica Bard, who delivers a poignant speech that serves as a stark reminder of the hurdles that await Ryden. Following the ceremony, the family celebrates their accomplishments alongside Adam Davies, Ryden’s steadfast friend who has silently nursed feelings for her since their freshman year. Adam is at a crossroads, deliberating between a future in music or law at Columbia University.
As the evening progresses, Ryden shares her excitement about an interview for her dream job as an assistant editor at the esteemed publishing house, Happerman and Browning, in Los Angeles. She is also thrilled to rent a gorgeous loft, embodying her aspirations for independence. Yet, destiny takes a sharp turn when her car meets with a truck just before the interview, leaving her shaken yet undeterred.
Upon her arrival at Happerman and Browning, looking disheveled and frazzled, Ryden finds herself among a sea of hopefuls vying for the same position. The interview is a series of awkward moments as she passionately articulates her love for editing and her ambition to pursue it life-long. However, her interviewer seems far more captivated by Jessica Bard, who arrives shortly after Ryden and secures the position meant for her.
Frustrated, Ryden retreats to her family home, aided by Walter, whose misadventures, notably stepping in cat feces, spike a series of unforeseen events. Meanwhile, Adam becomes a silent observer of Ryden's growing bond with David, a challenge she faces in a world full of job rejections and uncomfortable encounters with Jessica. Matters escalate when Walter accidentally kills David’s cat with Ryden’s car, leading to a newfound closeness between Ryden and David as they share their grief.
As Ryden and David’s romance blossoms, Adam grapples with his own ambitions, opting to immerse himself in his music career with a significant gig in town. He aims to celebrate with Ryden but finds her by David’s side, leading to a deep sense of betrayal when Adam learns of her absence. Ultimately, Adam confronts Ryden about her fear of commitment, marking the end of their relationship.
However, Ryden's luck shifts when Happerman and Browning informs her of Jessica's termination due to her aggressive antics. Seizing this surprising opportunity, Ryden joins the firm but soon finds herself disenchanted by its monotonous grind. In an attempt to reconcile with Adam, she orchestrates a grand gesture by driving an ice cream truck to his basketball game, mirroring a piece of advice he once shared: > “An Eskimo Pie can solve any dilemma.”
Adam forgives Ryden but discloses his imminent departure for New York, leaving her devastated. Sensing her heartache, David shares sage advice, emphasizing that the person one chooses to share life with outweighs career ambitions. Inspired, Ryden makes the bold decision to leave her job, set out for New York, and confess her feelings to Adam. As they embark on the delayed romance, Ryden discovers the importance of taking risks and following one’s heart.
