The Next Best Thing

The Next Best Thing

Year: 2000

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

ComedyRomance

After experiencing heartbreak, lifelong friends Abbie and Robert find solace in each other's company, leading to an unexpected and profound connection. They embark on a journey into parenthood, facing the challenges and joys of raising a child while navigating the complexities of a same-sex relationship and confronting societal expectations. Their bond deepens as they learn to support each other through the unpredictable path ahead.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Next Best Thing yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Next Best Thing (2000)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Next Best Thing (2000). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie doesn't specify a historical time period but takes place in contemporary settings that reflect modern societal norms. It captures the essence of current relationships and challenges individuals face in their interconnected lives. The film's themes resonate with contemporary issues of love, friendship, and family dynamics.

Location

New York City

New York City, often referred to as NYC, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and diverse population. It's a center for art, fashion, and business, where people from all walks of life come together. The city's dynamic lifestyle provides a rich backdrop for personal stories and complex relationships.

🌆 City 🧘‍♀️ Yoga ❤️ Friendship

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:41

Main Characters – The Next Best Thing (2000)

Meet the key characters of The Next Best Thing (2000), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Abbie Reynolds (Madonna)

Abbie Reynolds is a yoga instructor who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, igniting a journey of self-discovery and emotional conflict. She is portrayed as both nurturing and independent, eager to embrace motherhood while facing the complexities of her romantic life. Abbie’s character embodies the struggle between personal aspirations and the responsibilities that come with raising a child.

🧘‍♀️ Yoga 👩‍👧 Motherhood 💖 Friendship

Robert (Rupert Everett)

Robert is Abbie’s gay best friend, whose deep affection for her complicates their friendship when Abbie's life takes a romantic turn with Ben. He embodies feelings of jealousy and loneliness, struggling with his identity and unreciprocated love. His character's emotional complexity adds depth to the film, highlighting the challenges of navigating friendship and personal feelings.

💔 Unrequited Love 🤷‍♂️ Identity 😔 Loneliness

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:41

Major Themes – The Next Best Thing (2000)

Explore the central themes of The Next Best Thing (2000), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Unrequited Love

The theme of unrequited love permeates the narrative, particularly through Robert's character as he navigates his feelings for Abbie. His emotional struggle highlights the pain of longing and the complexities of friendship when love is involved. This theme resonates deeply as it showcases the often-unspoken conflicts between affection and platonic relationships.

👶 Parenthood

The challenge of parenthood significantly shapes Abbie's and Robert's relationship. Abbie's unexpected pregnancy thrusts both characters into a new family dynamic, forcing them to reassess their roles. The complexities of raising a child as friends and the balancing act between parenting and personal desires are central to the story.

🤔 Identity

Themes of identity are explored as Robert grapples with his feelings for Abbie while questioning his place in her life. His journey reflects the struggles many face when defining their self-worth and identity in relation to their friendships and romantic interests. This theme enriches the emotional depth of the film.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:41

Unlock the Full Story of The Next Best Thing

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Next Best Thing in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Next Best Thing is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Next Best Thing Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Next Best Thing, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Next Best Thing Summary

The Next Best Thing Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Next Best Thing with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Next Best Thing Timeline

More About The Next Best Thing

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Next Best Thing: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Next Best Thing

Similar Movies to The Next Best Thing

Discover movies like The Next Best Thing that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.