The Best and the Brightest

The Best and the Brightest

Year: 2011

Language: English

Director: Josh Shelov

Comedy

In New York City's upscale Upper East Side, the ultimate status symbol is no longer a luxurious penthouse. The Best and the Brightest follows Jeff and Samantha as they navigate the cutthroat world of elite kindergarten admissions, where connections and cash reign supreme. When their daughter is left out in the cold, they'll stop at nothing to secure her spot in Manhattan's most coveted school.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Best and the Brightest (2011)

Trace every key event in The Best and the Brightest (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Departure from Delaware

Jeff and Sam, along with their five-year-old daughter Beatrice, make the significant decision to leave their home in Delaware behind. They are driven by the desire for a new beginning in New York City, hoping for a better life filled with opportunities and top-tier education for Beatrice.

Delaware
2

Arrival in New York City

The family arrives in the bustling and vibrant streets of New York City, filled with excitement but also anxiety about the challenges that lie ahead. They are hopeful as they begin this new chapter, but soon discover the competitiveness of the city's educational system.

New York City
3

Sam's Quest for Education

Determined to secure a place for Beatrice at a prestigious school, Sam launches an ambitious quest. With the stakes high and a tight timeline, she starts to feel the pressure of navigating the complex admissions process.

4

Seeking Help from Sue Lemon

In her quest, Sam reaches out to Sue Lemon, a seasoned consultant known for her expertise in school admissions. Initially reluctant, Sue eventually agrees to help the couple after being impressed by Sam's dedication and urgency.

5

Jeff's Poet Disguise

Sue devises a plan that requires Jeff to pretend to be a poet in order to impress Katharine Heilmann, a crucial member of the school committee. Though hesitant about the absurdity of the idea, Jeff ultimately complies, finding humor in the situation as they aim for Beatrice's success.

6

Clark's Caretaking

To prepare for the important interview, Sam and Jeff enlist the help of Clark, an old college friend of Jeff. Though well-meaning, Clark's lively personality and tendency to share risqué stories bring unexpected trouble, complicating their plans.

7

Interview Day with Katharine

The big day arrives as Jeff and Sam sit down with Katharine for the pivotal interview. Captivated by what she believes is Jeff's original poetry, she remains unaware of the humorous truth behind it, giving the couple a glimmer of hope.

8

Clark's Mishap

Just when it seems like everything is going in their favor, a misfortune involving Clark throws a wrench in their plans. This unforeseen incident disrupts their carefully laid strategies and threatens Beatrice's chances at admission.

9

Alternative Strategy with The Player

Refusing to give up after the setback, Sam, with Sue's aid, hatches a new plan to appeal to The Player, a wealthy figure on the school committee. This shift leads them into a series of comedic scenarios filled with lies and deception as they fight for Beatrice's future.

10

Navigating the Labyrinth of Lies

As the plot thickens, Sam finds herself tangled in a web of fabrications and deceit, questioning the morality of her choices. The pressure builds as she realizes she must choose between pursuing her dream for a better life or staying true to herself and her values.

11

Confronting Personal Integrity

At a crucial turning point, Sam must weigh her desire for success against the integrity of her actions. The decisions she faces not only affect her dreams but also the future and unity of her family, leading to a path of self-discovery.

12

Resolution of Their Journey

As the comedic adventure comes to a close, Jeff and Sam reflect on their tumultuous journey through the chaotic admissions process. The experiences they’ve shared strengthen their relationship, reminding them of what truly matters in the pursuit of happiness.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:48