Year: 1987
Runtime: 105 mins
Language: English
Director: Jerry Belson
A witty romantic comedy follows a wealthy novelist scarred by money‑hungry ex‑wives and girlfriends. To discover whether the woman he truly loves cares for him or his fortune, he masquerades as a destitute, struggling writer, leading both of them into a chaotic, hilarious pursuit of genuine affection.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Surrender (1987), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Sean Stein is a successful novelist, but after two divorces and a palimony suit, he has grown cynical, convinced that women only love him for his money. At a charity ball that turns chaotic when armed thieves force guests to strip, he ends up bound nude beside a talented commercial artist named Daisy Morgan. He is instantly drawn to her, and what begins as attraction soon spirals into a strategic game.
Daisy Morgan is caught in a rocky relationship with Marty, a whiny, unstable lawyer who avoids commitment. Unaware of her real boyfriend’s wealth, Sean decides to test Daisy by pretending to be a poor, failed writer, enlisting the help of his lawyer Jay Bass to stage the ruse. As their bond deepens, Sean resolves to reveal his true identity, but on the very day he does, Marty convinces Daisy that he has changed and they should move in together at his home. Sean’s heart is broken, and the arrangement hangs in the balance.
On moving day, Daisy unexpectedly discovers a newspaper clipping that confirms Sean’s true status. She demands an explanation and, in a tense moment, accepts that he might be who he truly loves. Yet she lies about the sincerity of her feelings. The couple decides to elope to Lake Tahoe to marry, and on the road there, Sean presses for a prenuptial agreement. Daisy, finding the request unromantic, reluctantly signs off, wanting to trust their love.
In Nevada, Daisy gambles alone in a casino and astonishingly wins a jackpot of two million dollars. Sean returns, claiming he has had a change of heart and no longer requires a prenup. Daisy now presses him to be specific about when this decision happened. She confesses a prior lie, and Marty arrives to beg her to come back to him. Sean bluntly declares, “You can have her.” The couple’s dreams collide with harsh reality once again.
Back in Los Angeles, Daisy realizes she has made a mistake. She rejects a marriage proposal and uses part of her casino winnings to pay off Marty. A disturbing turn follows when Sean encounters a prostitute who previously robbed him. He decides to enact a cruel revenge against women by bringing the prostitute to his home and robbing her, only to learn that the person is a transvestite. Daisy storms in, eager to marry him again, and throws all her remaining casino winnings at him. The prostitute, grabbing Sean’s gun and surveying the cash, calmly says, > I’ll only take cab fare.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:36
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Characters who test love through elaborate pretenses and humorous misunderstandings.This list features movies like Surrender where love and laughter are intertwined with clever deceptions. If you enjoyed the witty ruse and the pursuit of genuine affection amidst chaos in Surrender, you'll find similar charming and hilarious romantic comedies here.
Stories in this thread typically revolve around a central character who fabricates an identity or situation to win over or test their love interest. The narrative thrives on the tension of the deception, the close calls of being discovered, and the eventual climax where the truth comes out, forcing a reevaluation of the relationship based on honesty.
These movies are grouped together because they share a core narrative device of romantic deception used for comedic and emotional effect. They blend the lightheartedness of comedy with the relatable anxieties of trust and authenticity in relationships, creating a specific, engaging viewing experience.
Affluent characters disguising their wealth to find love and genuine connection.Discover films similar to Surrender, where rich characters go undercover to find real love. If you liked the premise of a wealthy novelist pretending to be poor to test his relationship in Surrender, explore these other stories exploring trust, wealth, and authenticity.
The narrative follows a protagonist who feels isolated or distrustful due to their wealth. They intentionally step into a simpler, less privileged life, leading to a culture clash and personal growth. The conflict arises from maintaining the lie while developing real feelings, culminating in a revelation that tests the foundation of the new relationship.
These movies share a central theme of wealth as a barrier to intimacy and the desire to find authentic connection beyond material possessions. They combine a cynical view of fortune-seeking with an optimistic belief in true love, creating a specific thematic and emotional blend.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Surrender 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 Surrender is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Surrender with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Surrender. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Surrender that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Surrender: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Surrender 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.
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