The Last Days of Disco

Alice Kinnon and Charlotte Pingress, two recent graduates from New Hampshire College, step into the bustling workforce of New York City during the early 1980s. They land jobs as underpaid readers at a publishing house, but struggle to find satisfaction and stability in their new roles.

The duo gains access to an exclusive disco nightclub, where Alice hopes to connect with an advertising professional named Jimmy Steinway. However, the night takes a downturn when tensions flare as Jimmy is expelled by the club manager, Des McGrath, for being too disruptive.

Following the fracas at the nightclub, Alice decides to leave with Tom Platt, her second choice, leading them to his apartment for a night of intimacy. This encounter sets in motion a chain of emotional complications for Alice, who begins to question her feelings.

The next day at work, a conversation about career advancement prompts Charlotte and Alice to consider sharing an apartment with another girl named Holly. Their financial struggles motivate them to settle on a railroad-style apartment, despite Alice's reservations.

Alice experiences distressing feelings when she discovers Charlotte's attraction to Jimmy, complicating their friendship. Additionally, Tom's revelation about still being in a relationship with his long-term girlfriend leaves Alice feeling betrayed and uncertain.

In an effort to gain respect from her coworkers, Alice champions a book on Buddhism that was previously dismissed by Charlotte. Despite challenges faced due to the author's dishonesty, Alice passionately defends the book as one of the best reads of her life.

During a dramatic club night, Charlotte publicly reveals Alice's diagnosis of gonorrhea, causing a rift in their friendship. Although Charlotte later apologizes, the situation inadvertently sparks a budding romance between Des and Alice.

Tension escalates as Alice confronts Tom about her health issues, leading to his admission of passing along herpes. This confrontation underscores the emotional turmoil Alice is experiencing while dealing with her feelings towards Tom.

Josh Neff, a district attorney and acquaintance of Jimmy, invites Alice to lunch under the guise of discussing a book idea. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Josh is romantically interested in Alice, adding to her emotional confusion.

Alice returns home to the shocking news that Charlotte has been rushed to the hospital following a miscarriage. This event serves as a turning point in their relationship, highlighting the fragility of their lives and challenges.

The publishing house where Alice and Charlotte work undergoes a merger with a larger entity, bringing an ominous wave of layoffs. Weeks later, they receive their pink slips, emphasizing the instability that plagues their lives.

In a surprising turn of events, Alice celebrates her promotion after successfully reclassifying her book project from nonfiction to self-help. This milestone represents her determination and growth amidst the chaos of their lives.

After receiving their unemployment notices, Alice, Charlotte, Des, and Josh reflect on how their personalities clash amidst the emotional turmoil they have experienced. Their shared experiences bond them, even as the future remains uncertain.

As they ride the subway home, Alice and Josh bond over future possibilities. In a moment of joy, they abandon their dignified roles and start a spontaneous dance to 'Love Train,' inviting fellow passengers to join in their celebration.