The Holiday Swap

At a company Christmas party in London, Iris learns that her ex, Jasper, has become engaged. The news shatters her and stirs up old feelings. She resolves to move on from his lingering hold.

In Los Angeles, Amanda breaks up with her film composer boyfriend Ethan after he cheats. She cites her emotional unavailability and decides the relationship is over. The breakup leaves her determined to focus on her own life.

Iris and Amanda agree to swap houses for two weeks, starting the next day. They exchange messages on a home-swapping website to set up the plan. The idea promises a refreshing change for both of them.

Iris happily settles into Amanda's large house in Los Angeles, enjoying the unfamiliar space and quiet. She begins to explore new surroundings and feel the freedom of a fresh start. This marks the start of an unexpectedly transformative experience.

Amanda struggles with the quiet English countryside life and decides to return to Los Angeles the next day. She leaves the Surrey cottage behind and admits the swap isn't working for her. The move underscores the difference in pace between their two worlds.

That night, Iris's brother Graham arrives at the Surrey cottage after drinking. He spends the night, and Amanda is there to host him. He kisses her, sparking a complicated attraction.

The following morning, despite enjoying their time together, they go their separate ways. Yet Amanda decides to continue seeing him, accepting the tension between their lives and commitments.

In Los Angeles, Iris meets Arthur Abbott, her elderly neighbor and Oscar-winning screenwriter. Over dinner, he notes her troubles with Jasper and offers a list of classic films with strong female leads. He encourages her to become the leading lady of her own life and to embrace the Writers Guild gala.

Iris befriends Miles, a colleague of Ethan's who is dating Maggie. After he catches Maggie with another man, they bond over their shared relationship troubles. They share a Christmas Eve dinner together.

On the day of the gala in LA, Miles refuses Maggie's plea to get back together. Jasper unexpectedly appears at Amanda's, hoping to rekindle their romance, but reveals he is still engaged; Iris throws him out. The moment underscores the ongoing complications in Iris's love life and in Amanda's new situation.

At the gala, Arthur gives a rousing speech celebrating storytelling and female agency. Miles then asks Iris out for New Year's Eve, offering to travel to England for them to be together, and she accepts with a kiss.

Graham tells Amanda he has fallen in love with her, but she does not return the sentiment. They decide to try a long-distance relationship to see if it could work.

As Amanda heads for the airport, she breaks down and runs back to the Surrey cottage, where she finds Graham equally tearful. The moment rekindles their commitment to each other, despite distance.

On New Year's Eve, Iris, Amanda, Miles, Graham, Sophie, and Olivia gather at Graham's house to celebrate. The group embraces the idea that love can flourish across miles and different lives.