The Pompatus of Love

In upscale Manhattan bars, lofts and apartments, Mark, Runyon, Josh, and Phil chase romantic outcomes while trading sharp banter. The film frames their failures and flirtations through ongoing conversations about women. A playful thread runs through their discussions about the puzzling word pompatus from a Steve Miller song, hinting at misheard lyrics and misread intentions. The setup establishes a tonal map for the intertwining stories.

Met on a blind date, Mark and Natasha find themselves arguing about moving in together. They visit apartment after apartment across Manhattan, never agreeing on a place they both like. The search becomes a strain on their relationship, foreshadowing trouble ahead.

As the housing hunt continues, Natasha grows claustrophobic about their future and drifts apart. She even dreams of a field mouse pursued by a bird of prey bearing Mark's face, a symbolic image of mounting pressure. They close on a half-finished house, but Natasha ultimately bails on Mark.

Runyon, the playwright, flies to Los Angeles to reconnect with Kathryn, who has moved away. He even sneaks into her bedroom at night, attempting to gauge whether there is still something there or if a producer might be involved. The trip hints at unresolved feelings and a quest for closure.

Despite the awkward visit, Runyon sets up a dinner date for Friday with someone new, signaling his effort to move on. The moment shows a readiness to pursue fresh romance rather than dwelling on past relationships.

Josh remains hung up on Gina, who has an abusive husband. He meets Cynthia, a single woman, on a staircase and they share genuine chemistry and a nice lunch. He invites her to dinner, signaling interest while juggling Gina's presence.

Gina arrives earlier than expected, complicating Josh's budding connection with Cynthia. The situation leads to Josh and Gina sleeping together, while he later chooses to slow things down with Cynthia. The episode underscores Josh's difficulty committing cleanly.

Married with children, Phil is drawn to an older English interior designer who flirts with him. She keeps coming on to him, testing his loyalty and self-control. He ultimately decides he cannot cheat on his wife and remains faithful.

Phil learns about Gina and Josh and storms by Josh's place to fetch Gina. He confronts the designer, telling her he cannot cheat and that he intends to stay faithful to his marriage. The confrontation marks a clear line in the sand for all involved.

Back from Los Angeles, Runyon reaches a sense of closure regarding his relationship with Kathryn. The visit helps him reevaluate his romantic priorities and signals a shift toward more settled emotional ground.

In the final stretch, Josh resolves to try to have a real relationship instead of chasing casual flings. He recognizes the value of steady emotional connection and hints at better choices ahead.

The four friends regroup to discuss the meaning of the Steve Miller song's pompatus, tying together their divergent arcs. Mark's relationship has ended; Runyon has found closure; Josh contemplates a future; Phil maintains his marriage. The closing dialogue frames personal growth and the search for meaning in love.