The Break-up Artist

The Break-up Artist

Year: 2009

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Steve Woo

RomanceComedy

Breaking up may be her specialty, but when a rival business forces her out of the breakup trade, she must pivot to matchmaking to keep her agency afloat and preserve her expensive wardrobe. As she guides strangers toward love, she discovers that her own old nemesis—her heart—holds the key to survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Break-up Artist (2009)

Trace every key event in The Break-up Artist (2009) 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

Britney's breakup business and mounting debt

Britney runs a service that helps people end relationships, earning her a living by breaking up couples. Her own overdue bills and mortgage payments add pressure, making financial stability feel far out of reach. She guards her independence even as a rival starts threatening her livelihood.

Britney's office and city streets
2

Britney meets Rick, a charming rival

Britney meets Rick Benson, a suave entrepreneur who runs a competing break-up company. His charm and wit pull her into a relationship that feels risky yet intoxicating. The romance quickly reveals that Rick's motives may be more about power than partnership.

City social setting
3

Rick dumps Britney via an ally

Rick ends their relationship abruptly, using a staff member who poses as his best friend to deliver the breakup. The move demonstrates his ruthlessness and leaves Britney reeling. The betrayal deepens the conflict between their two businesses.

Rick's office
4

Britney vows to take Rick down

Outraged and heartbroken, Britney vows to take Rick out of business. She suspects he is stealing her clients and tarnishing her reputation. Her plan begins to take shape in the shadows as she mobilizes her allies.

Britney's apartment
5

Ashley's love life and Mike's offer

Ashley, Britney's flirtatious sister, has a pattern of dumping men at will, including Mike. Mike asks Britney to help win Ashley back and offers $10,000 as payment. Britney, watching her debt pile up, reluctantly agrees to the risky plan.

Around town and Ashley's circle
6

Mike undergoes a dramatic makeover

Britney coaches Mike to become unflappable, rich-looking, tall, and handsome. He undergoes an extreme makeover—changing his wardrobe, hairstyle, and attitude. Britney guides him from behind-the-scenes via a hidden earphone as they rehearse their encounter.

Fashion store and Britney's home
7

The store meet-cute and mishap

They arrange to 'bump into' Ashley at a store, with Mike feigning a phone call as Britney directs him. Ashley is impressed by his new look and confidence. A squeal from Britney over the mic triggers a clumsy exit that knocks Mike into a clothing rack.

Clothing store
8

Britney learns Rick is dating Ashley

Britney discovers Rick is dating Ashley, complicating her misdirection. She tries to split them up, but Ashley remains smitten by Rick's charm. The triangle grows more entangled as the plan advances toward its finale.

Rick's circle
9

Robyn and Tiffany infiltrate Rick's company

Robyn and Tiffany get jobs at Rick's company and secretly steal his client list. They hand the list to Britney so she can win back Rick's customers. Britney realizes her friends didn't betray her and are now helping her beat Rick at his own game.

Rick's company
10

Britney and Mike grow closer

Britney and Mike spend days together coaching him and moping about heartbreak. They share snacks and TV as their bond deepens, blending professional manipulation with personal connection. Their growing closeness becomes a driving force behind the plan.

Britney's home
11

Mike is spotted by Ashley and they kiss

They arrange for Mike to be spotted by Ashley throughout the day, playing the oblivious admirer. Outside a dance club, Ashley catches up to him and they share a kiss, confirming their real chemistry. Britney watches, balancing relief with strategic resolve.

Outside a dance club
12

Mural success and Love Rocks is born

Mike and the children win the mural competition, validating Mike's transformation and their collaboration. Britney rebrands her business as 'Love Rocks' and expands to helping people both find love and end relationships. Rick's company begins to buckle under the resulting shift in trust.

Mural competition venue
13

Rick's company collapses and the finale

Rick's company collapses as clients defect and his reputation sinks. Britney ends her relationship with Rick in favor of Ashley, signaling a complete power shift. Rick mutters 'LOVE BLOWS!' as his world falls apart.

Rick's office

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:16

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