The One and Only

The One and Only

Year: 2002

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Simon Cellan Jones

ComedyRomance

Stevie’s life unravels when she discovers she’s pregnant by her Italian footballer husband just as Neil arrives to install her new kitchen. Neil, whose wife Jenny is pursuing an African adoption, feels an instant connection with Stevie. Both trapped in doomed marriages, they must find a way to leave their partners and pursue the love that sparks at first sight.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The One and Only (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The One and Only (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (early 21st century)

The movie takes place in a modern timeframe, with contemporary elements like a mall, modern medical care, and circus entertainment. It reflects current societal attitudes toward animal captivity and conservation efforts, grounding the story in present-day issues.

Location

Big Top Mall, town, wilderness

The primary setting is the Big Top Mall, a circus environment where animals perform for audiences. The story also explores the surrounding town and eventually the wilderness, representing freedom and natural habitat. The mall and town symbolize captivity and societal constraints, while the wilderness signifies liberation.

🎪 Circus 🏙️ Town 🌳 Wilderness

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:42

Main Characters – The One and Only (2002)

Meet the key characters of The One and Only (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ivan (voice of Sam Rockwell)

Ivan is a wise and creative gorilla who struggles with his captivity but finds hope through art and friendship. He is protective of Ruby and determined to secure her freedom, showcasing resilience and compassion.

🦍 Gorilla 🧠 Wise 🎨 Artistic

Stella (Angelina Jolie)

A seasoned elephant and Ivan’s close friend who offers wisdom and comfort. Her declining health and eventual passing represent themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the importance of leaving a legacy.

🐘 Elephant 🧓 wise 💔 Sacrificial

Ruby (Brooklynn Prince)

A young and nervous baby elephant who learns confidence through her interactions with Ivan and others. She symbolizes innocence, hope, and the desire for freedom.

🐘 Baby Elephant 🌟 Innocent 🌈 Hopeful

Julia (Arianna Greenblatt)

A kind-hearted girl who befriends Ivan and advocates for animal freedom. Her compassion drives much of the film's emotional core and the push for change.

👧 Girl 💖 Compassionate 🎗️ Activist

Mack (Bryan Cranston)

The circus manager who cares for the animals but becomes increasingly aggressive as his business struggles. His character reflects themes of greed, survival, and eventual moral awakening.

🎩 Manager 🐒 Caregiver 😡 Authoritarian

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:42

Major Themes – The One and Only (2002)

Explore the central themes of The One and Only (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌿 Freedom

A central theme of the film is the fight for freedom, especially for animals like Ivan and Ruby who seek life beyond captivity. The story emphasizes the importance of independence, natural habitat, and the desire to escape confinement to live genuinely.

❤️ Companionship

The film explores meaningful relationships between animals and humans, illustrating loyalty, care, and emotional bonds. Ivan’s friendship with Julia and Ruby highlights the theme of connection and the transformative power of friendship.

🎨 Creativity and Expression

Ivan’s act of painting symbolizes self-expression and hope. Through art, he communicates his inner feelings and memories, underscoring the theme that creativity can be a powerful tool for liberation and change.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:42

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Narrative Summary

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Why These Movies?

These films share a specific mix of genre (comedy-drama), a medium emotional weight that feels substantial but not overwhelming, and a steady pacing that allows character relationships to develop naturally. The central conflict is often internal and interpersonal, focused on choices about love and life path.

Unlock the Full Story of The One and Only

Don't stop at just watching — explore The One and Only 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 One and Only is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The One and Only Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The One and Only, 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 One and Only Summary

The One and Only Timeline

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

The One and Only Timeline

The One and Only Spoiler-Free Summary

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The One and Only Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The One and Only

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