Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

The Pretty One (2014) movie poster

Plot Summary

The Pretty One (2014) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 90 min · English
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Jenée LaMarque
Starring
Jake M. Johnson, Ron Livingston, John Carroll Lynch, Zoe Kazan, Frankie Shaw, Shae D'Lyn

On her birthday, the lives of identical twins Audrey and Laurel unexpectedly intersect. Laurel, struggling with awkwardness and a codependent relationship, finds her life dramatically altered when she swaps places with her confident and stylish sister. This unexpected turn offers her a chance to reinvent herself and take charge of a life that had become stagnant, leading her on a poignant journey of self-discovery.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in The Pretty One: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of The Pretty One (2014) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Identical twins Laurel and Audrey (Zoe Kazan) may look alike, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Audrey embodies sophistication and confidence, while Laurel tends to be shy and socially awkward. This contrast is amplified by their life choices: Audrey enjoys a life of success and luxury, whereas Laurel stays home to support their widowed father (John Carroll Lynch) and his new fiancée, helping him recreate famous paintings.

At their birthday celebration, Audrey convinces Laurel to join her in the city, setting off a series of events that will irrevocably change their lives. In anticipation of this new adventure, Laurel undergoes a drastic haircut, mirroring her sister’s look. As they begin their journey together, tragedy strikes when they are involved in a horrific car accident. When Laurel awakens in the hospital, she suffers from post-traumatic amnesia and is initially oblivious to her true identity. It is only later that she learns of Audrey's tragic death.

The morning of what was intended to be Laurel's funeral becomes an emotional turning point, prompting Laurel to adopt Audrey's identity. Embracing this new persona, she returns to the city, stepping into her sister's previous role as a real estate agent. Here, she meets Basel (Jake M. Johnson), Audrey's former tenant, who is baffled by this new, warmer version of Audrey, in stark contrast to the distant person he once knew.

As Laurel navigates life in her sister’s shoes, she discovers that Audrey had been entangled in a troubled relationship with Charles (Ron Livingston) prior to the accident. Her growing connection with Basel and her sister’s colleague, Claudia (Frankie Shaw), sparks a journey of self-discovery, but it simultaneously raises doubts about her identity and true motives. The budding romance between Laurel and Basel flourishes, but an innocent error causes a ripple effect that leads to unforeseen consequences.

In a dramatic twist, Laurel unintentionally introduces Charles to her boss, Edith, failing to mention he is her ex. This connection leads to dire repercussions as Laurel is promptly fired from her job. Amidst this chaos, Basel proposes to Laurel, denoting he has had feelings for her since they first met. However, Laurel realizes that his affections are tied to her portrayal of Audrey, rather than her genuine self, which leads her to confess the truth. This revelation shatters their budding romance, leaving Basel heartbroken and Laurel in turmoil over her web of lies.

Returning home, Laurel finds solace in her father's understanding and support as she reveals the truth of her impersonation. Although this revelation shocks him, he finds relief in knowing that the sisterly bond remains intact. As another funeral is held — this time for Audrey — it becomes a poignant reflection on the life Laurel has been leading.

Encouraged by Claudia’s wisdom and her father’s steadfast support, Laurel begins to confront her insecurities about being the lesser sister. With her own paintings representing her authentic self, she musters the courage to return to the city and confront her feelings for Basel. Fortunately, upon her return, she discovers that he still harbors feelings for her, despite the earlier heartbreak.

In a heartwarming climax, Laurel's honesty and commitment eventually win Basel back, culminating in a tender kiss that opens the door to a future filled with hope and rekindled love.

Last updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:14

Was this helpful?

Plot questions answered

The Pretty One Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about The Pretty One (2014): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Laurel decide to assume Audrey's identity after the accident?

Laurel adopts Audrey's identity as a way to cope with her sister's death and her own identity crisis. Suffering from post-traumatic amnesia, she initially doesn't know she survived, and when she learns the truth, she finds the idea of living as Audrey less painful than facing her own grief. The identity swap also represents an opportunity for Laurel to become the confident, adventurous person she never believed she could be.

Foreshadowing: This decision was foreshadowed by Laurel's drastic haircut before the trip, which already signaled her desire to transform into her sister.

  • laurel
  • audrey
  • identity
  • impersonation
  • amnesia
  • grief
Q2

Why does Laurel get a haircut that mirrors Audrey's before the trip?

Laurel's haircut represents her desire to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a more adventurous life. As the shy, socially awkward twin who stays home to care for her father, Laurel has always lived in Audrey's shadow. The physical transformation is her first step toward becoming more like her confident sister, symbolizing her longing for change before the accident fundamentally forces that change upon her.

Foreshadowing: The haircut foreshadows Laurel's eventual complete assumption of Audrey's identity after the accident.

  • laurel
  • haircut
  • transformation
  • audrey
  • confidence
Q3

How does Laurel introducing Charles to Edith lead to her getting fired?

Laurel makes an innocent mistake by introducing Charles to her boss Edith without mentioning he is her ex-boyfriend. Charles had previously been in a troubled relationship with Audrey, and apparently had some connection to Edith as well. When Edith discovers this connection, she fires Laurel, treating it as a betrayal of workplace trust. This incident demonstrates how Laurel's lack of knowledge about her sister's life continues to create problems in her new role.

Foreshadowing: This event stems from Laurel's ignorance about Audrey's past relationships, which she only discovers later.

  • laurel
  • charles
  • edith
  • fired
  • job
  • real estate
Q4

Why does Basel propose to Laurel when he only knows her as Audrey?

Basel proposes because he genuinely believes he is marrying Audrey, the woman he's developed feelings for during their interactions. What he doesn't know is that the warmer, more approachable personality he fell for is actually Laurel pretending to be her sister. His proposal is based on the authentic connection they've built, even though that authenticity comes from Laurel's real self shining through her performance as Audrey.

Foreshadowing: This moment sets up the tragic irony of Basel falling for Laurel's true personality while believing it's part of Audrey's character.

  • basel
  • proposal
  • audrey
  • laurel
  • marriage
Q5

Why does Laurel confess the truth about her identity to Basel?

Laurel confesses because she realizes Basel's affection is tied to her assumed identity as Audrey, not her genuine self. She cannot build a relationship on a foundation of deception, even though she has genuine feelings for him. The confession represents her growth from someone who hid behind others' identities to someone willing to be vulnerable and authentic, even at the cost of losing the relationship.

Foreshadowing: This confession mirrors Laurel's broader journey of learning to embrace her true self rather than living as her sister.

  • laurel
  • basel
  • confession
  • identity
  • truth
  • honesty
Q6

How does Laurel's father react when she reveals she's actually Laurel?

Laurel's father is initially shocked to learn that his daughter has been living under her dead twin's identity. However, his primary reaction is relief that the sisterly bond remains intact, that both of his daughters, in essence, are still with him in some form. His acceptance provides Laurel with the emotional support she desperately needs, showing that unconditional family love transcends the confusion and deception.

Foreshadowing: This moment highlights the film's theme that authentic relationships matter more than identities assumed out of grief.

  • father
  • laurence
  • reaction
  • truth
  • family
  • support
Q7

Why does Laurel feel like the lesser sister throughout the film?

Laurel has spent her life in Audrey's shadow, viewing her confident, successful sister as superior. While Audrey went out into the world and achieved success as a real estate agent, Laurel stayed home to care for their widowed father, feeling invisible and unremarkable. This insecurity is deeply rooted in her belief that she lacks the sophistication and boldness that make Audrey special. The film explores how Laurel must overcome this internalized sense of inadequacy to claim her own worth.

Foreshadowing: Laurel's journey involves literally stepping into her sister's life to discover she can be valued for who she truly is.

  • laurel
  • audrey
  • insecurity
  • lesser sister
  • self-worth
  • confidence
Q8

What is the significance of Laurel's paintings in the story?

Laurel helps her father recreate famous paintings, but she eventually creates her own original work representing her authentic self. These paintings serve as a metaphor for her identity, the recreations represent her life living in Audrey's shadow, while the original work symbolizes her emergence as an individual with her own voice and value. Her artistic expression becomes the vehicle through which she reconnects with her true identity and gains the confidence to pursue happiness.

Foreshadowing: The paintings foreshadow Laurel's eventual realization that she doesn't need to copy her sister to be valuable.

  • laurel
  • paintings
  • art
  • identity
  • self-expression
  • authentic
Q9

How does Claudia help Laurel during her journey of self-discovery?

Claudia is Audrey's colleague who becomes Laurel's friend and mentor in the real estate office. Without knowing Laurel's true identity, Claudia provides her with advice and encouragement that help Laurel grow as a person. Most importantly, Claudia tells Laurel that she doesn't need to be like Audrey to be worthy, directly challenging Laurel's lifelong belief that she is the lesser sister. This external validation helps Laurel begin to accept her authentic self.

Foreshadowing: Claudia's advice plants the seeds for Laurel's eventual self-acceptance and return to Basel.

  • claudia
  • advice
  • support
  • laurel
  • self-discovery
  • growth
Q10

Why does Basel still have feelings for Laurel after learning the truth?

Despite the heartbreak of discovering Laurel's deception, Basel realizes that the warmth, authenticity, and connection he fell in love with were actually Laurel's true personality, not the distant Audrey he knew as a tenant. The woman he loved was real; she was just hidden behind an assumed identity. This understanding allows their relationship to heal once Laurel returns and demonstrates her genuine self rather than living a lie.

Foreshadowing: This resolution validates the film's central message that authentic connection transcends identity assumptions.

  • basel
  • laurel
  • feelings
  • truth
  • reconciliation
  • love

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Pretty One, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Pretty One tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about reinventing yourself after loss like The Pretty One

Stories of grief giving way to hopeful journeys of self-discovery and new beginnings. If you liked The Pretty One's story of a woman rebuilding her life after a tragedy, you'll find similar films here. These movies explore grief and loss as a catalyst for profound personal change, blending heartfelt drama with an ultimately hopeful and tender journey of self-discovery.

  • bittersweet
  • hopeful
  • cathartic
  • heartfelt
  • melancholic
  • introspective
  • Tone: bittersweet, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, contemplative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern begins with a tragic event that shatters the protagonist's world. This loss, while devastating, becomes the catalyst for their journey. They often step into a new life or persona, navigating feelings of being an imposter while gradually shedding old insecurities. The story arc moves from grief and confusion towards acceptance, healing, and the formation of new, authentic connections.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a specific emotional trajectory: starting with heavy sadness and then gradually leaning into hope. They balance the weight of grief with the uplifting potential of starting over, creating a bittersweet yet ultimately cathartic viewing experience centered on emotional rebirth.

Quiet dramas of awkward self-discovery like The Pretty One

Character-driven stories about introverts finding their voice and confidence. Looking for movies similar to The Pretty One's portrayal of a quiet, introverted character's journey? This collection features heartfelt stories about awkward individuals navigating social anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the challenging but rewarding path to self-acceptance and personal empowerment.

  • introspective
  • heartfelt
  • tender
  • awkward
  • hopeful
  • gentle
  • Tone: heartfelt, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories follow an understated arc where an insecure protagonist, often feeling overshadowed or out of place, is presented with an opportunity to break free from their shell. Through a series of intimate, character-driven events—sometimes involving a new relationship or a borrowed identity—they slowly gain confidence, confront their insecurities, and ultimately learn to value their own unique qualities.

Why they belong together: These movies share a specific focus on the internal world of a gentle, introspective character. The similarity lies in the blend of heartfelt emotion, gentle humor, and a steady pacing that respects the character's gradual growth. They offer a relatable and tender look at the universal struggle of coming into one's own.

Every angle

The Pretty One (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Pretty One in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app