The film unfolds across seven scenes, each primarily focusing on an engaging dialogue between two characters. In the opening scene, screenwriter Sam, portrayed by Austin Peck, meets his friend, the magazine writer and editor David, played by Bryce Johnson, at a quaint coffee shop. With a history of having written and produced a critically acclaimed yet short-lived television series, Sam now grapples with his inability to get any new projects off the ground. Eagerly, he requests David to read his new screenplay, a thriller titled The Blue Tooth Virgin, and to share his thoughts on it.
In the second scene, we find David at home where he is visited by his friend Louis, played by Tom Gilroy. Their conversation revolves around David's internal conflict regarding whether or not he should disclose his true feelings about Sam's screenplay, which he finds virtually terrible and difficult to comprehend.
Moving to the third scene, David and Sam engage in a dialogue while golfing. Despite his attempts to sidestep direct criticism, David struggles as Sam persistently presses for feedback. When Sam discovers that David considers the screenplay confusing, his anger surfaces, ultimately leading David to storm off in frustration.
The fourth scene plays out in Sam’s home where his wife Rebecca, played by Lauren Stamile, inquires about his screenplay. Rebecca resonates with David's critiques and expresses her concerns about Sam’s defensiveness towards sincere feedback and his deep-seated need for external validation. This dialogue escalates into a heated argument as Rebecca challenges the very foundation of their marriage.
Next, in the fifth scene, David finds himself in the office of his therapist, played by Roma Maffia. Here, they delve into the screenplay that David is attempting to write—his inaugural effort—as they explore his motivations for wanting to become a screenwriter and the barriers he faces, including writer's block. They also reconsider Sam's response to David's earlier criticisms and weigh the importance of their friendship moving forward.
In the sixth scene, Sam visits a script consultant named Zena, portrayed by Karen Black, at her residence. Through a unique form of drama therapy, she guides him in reflecting on his motivations for writing. Her insights lead her to suggest that Sam's screenplay falls short because he may not yet be prepared to tackle the story he wishes to tell.
Finally, in the last scene, David and Sam reconnect at the same coffee house, having not spoken for some time. They exchange sincere apologies, with Sam revealing his decision to abandon writing, confessing that he doesn’t derive joy from it. Conversely, David shares the news of his recent success in selling his screenplay, which is set to enter production by a studio. Overwhelmed by jealousy and bitterness regarding David's accomplishments, Sam’s contemplative moment is interrupted by a fan, played by Amber Benson, who recognizes him and expresses her gratitude for the positive impact his television series had on her life. This brief yet meaningful interaction rekindles Sam’s original passion for writing—recognizing that his goal was always to resonate with and influence others through his work.
