The Pretty One (2014) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story is set in two contrasting locations. The city represents bustling urban life where Audrey thrived as a successful real estate agent, a place of opportunity and excitement. In contrast, home is a quieter, more subdued environment where Laurel lived with their widowed father and engaged in creative pursuits like painting.

Foreshadowing: The contrast between city and home establishes the thematic tension between Laurel's stagnant life and the vibrant one her sister lived.

• setting
• locations
• city
• home
• contrast

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting without specifying a particular year. This modern context allows the themes of identity and personal growth to resonate with today's audiences as characters navigate current relationships and societal expectations.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern setting

Identity is the central theme of the film. After assuming her sister Audrey's persona following her death, Laurel grapples with self-perception and how familial ties shape personal identity. Her journey becomes one of self-discovery, addressing the struggle to be true to herself while navigating the expectations of her sister's life.

• identity
• self-discovery
• persona
• authenticity

The film intricately weaves love and loss, showing how tragedy can reshape relationships and personal desires. Laurel experiences profound grief from losing her sister but also discovers deep love through her connection with Basel. These intertwined emotions drive her actions and decisions throughout her journey of transformation.

• love
• loss
• grief
• romance
• tragedy

Self-expression emerges as a critical theme through Laurel's painting. Creating art becomes her means of reconnecting with her true self and finding her voice amid personal tragedy and identity confusion. The movie underscores the importance of authenticity and creative expression in discovering one's authentic identity.

• self-expression
• painting
• art
• creativity
• authenticity

Laurel is the shy, socially awkward twin portrayed by Zoe Kazan. After her sister Audrey's death, she assumes Audrey's identity and undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery. Initially hiding behind her sister's persona to navigate life, she ultimately confronts her insecurities and learns to embrace her own individuality, representing resilience and personal growth.

• Laurel
• protagonist
• twin
• transformation

Audrey was Laurel's identical twin sister who embodied sophistication and success as a real estate agent. Confident and living an exciting urban life, she serves as a stark contrast to Laurel. Though she dies early in the film, her impact profoundly shapes the narrative as Laurel adopts her persona, highlighting the struggle between expectations and individuality.

• Audrey
• twin sister
• contrast
• identity

Basel, played by Jake M. Johnson, was Audrey's former tenant who becomes romantically involved with Laurel after she impersonates Audrey. Initially confused by Laurel's changed demeanor, he finds warmth in her new persona. His character raises questions about authenticity in love, as he grapples with his attraction to someone he believes is Audrey but who is actually Laurel.

• Basel
• romance
• authenticity
• confusion

Claudia, portrayed by Frankie Shaw, is Audrey's colleague who becomes an important figure in Laurel's journey toward self-discovery. She provides wisdom and support, encouraging Laurel to confront her insecurities and embrace her true self. Claudia's character highlights the importance of female friendships in personal growth and authenticity.

• Claudia
• support
• female friendship
• growth

The film centers on three major themes: identity (exploring self-perception and familial impact on identity), love and loss (how tragedy reshapes relationships and desires), and self-expression (finding authenticity through creative outlets like painting). These themes intertwine to drive Laurel's journey of transformation and self-discovery.

• themes
• identity
• love
• loss
• self-expression

The film carries a hopeful tone despite dealing with grief and identity theft. While it begins with the tragedy of Audrey's death creating significant emotional stakes, the narrative shifts to Laurel's quieter internal journey of self-discovery. The ending is unambiguously happy, resolving conflicts through honesty and reconciliation, leaving audiences with an uplifting message about authenticity and personal growth.

• tone
• mood
• hopeful
• emotional
• resolution