Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give

Year: 2003

Runtime: 128 min

Language: English

Director: Nancy Meyers

ComedyRomance

As aging playboy Harry Sanborn crashes at her family's Hamptons retreat with his much-younger girlfriend Marin, he meets Marin's sharp-witted mother Erica. When a heart attack sidelines Harry and forces him to confront his shallow existence under Erica's roof, he discovers a new appreciation for the feisty playwright - and may just find himself falling for someone out of his usual league.

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Something's Gotta Give (2003) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Something's Gotta Give (2003), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Harry Sanborn, the charming and wealthy owner of a New York recording label, has an affinity for dating younger women, like his current girlfriend, Marin Klein. During a drive to her mother’s beach house in the Hamptons, they are caught off guard by the unexpected arrival of Erica Barry, a playwright, and her sister Zoe. What starts as a tense dinner deteriorates into chaos when Harry unexpectedly suffers a heart attack during a romantic moment with Marin, leading to a frantic trip to the hospital.

The attending doctor, Julian Mercer, advises Harry to stay nearby for a few days. This prompts him to reluctantly take up Erica’s offer of a place to stay. Although their clashing personalities make for a tumultuous living situation at first, their time together slowly reveals endearing traits in each other, sparking an unexpected connection. Meanwhile, Harry’s relationship with Marin and Erica’s growing affection for Julian serve as hurdles for their developing romance.

Things take a turn when Marin decides to break up with Harry, but he preempts her announcement. This newfound freedom allows Harry and Erica to grow closer, leading to a passionate encounter that leaves them both yearning for more. Just as their relationship starts to blossom, Julian informs Harry that he is well enough to return to the city, leading to an awkward farewell.

Amidst the emotional upheaval, Marin receives distressing news about her father’s upcoming marriage to a woman merely two years her senior. This triggers an emotional spiral for her, as she pushes her mother to attend a dinner party at her father’s fiancée’s place. The night becomes even more complicated when Erica unexpectedly sees Harry dining with a significantly younger woman, leading to a heated confrontation where Erica professes her love for Harry, only to have her feelings rejected.

Heartbroken, Erica severs ties with Harry and departs, leaving him to experience what he believes is another heart episode. However, a visit to the hospital reveals that he merely had a panic attack, a stark reminder of the complexity of human emotions. Meanwhile, Erica drowns her sorrow in writing, pouring her experiences into a new play titled “A Woman to Love”, a title that resonates with Harry’s previous description of her—a convoluted reminder of their fractured bond.

The emotional weight deepens when Harry learns of her play’s content, leading him to the theater where he witnesses the raw portrayal of their tumultuous romance. As Erica reveals intimate details of their affair through her writing, Harry admits he still has feelings for her, but she resolutely refuses to rekindle their romance.

Months pass, and Erica’s play garners unexpected acclaim, while Harry seeks redemption by reaching out to the young women whose hearts he had previously broken. His journey for solace leads him to the Bahamas, hoping to heal from past mistakes.

Fast forward six months, Erica’s play has taken the world by storm, and Harry visits Marin to seek forgiveness. However, he finds she has moved on, happily married with a baby on the way—a painful reminder of his past choices. In a bittersweet turn, Harry discovers that Erica is celebrating her birthday in Paris, compelling him to make an impulsive visit to apologize for his previous missteps.

He surprises Erica at her favorite restaurant, only to find her dining with Julian, who has now captured her heart. Tension fills the air as Harry watches from a distance, grappling with his feelings of sadness and longing. As the evening unfolds, the trio shares an amicable meal, navigating the complex emotions at play.

In the ensuing months, Harry continues his quest for redemption, reconnecting with those he wronged, while Erica, carrying the emotional scars of their past relationship, finds herself unexpectedly drawn back to him. A year later, they find themselves having dinner with Marin, her husband Danny, and their delightful newborn daughter, celebrating life and the warmth of family—a testament to how true love can mend even the deepest wounds.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:57

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