The Pretty One

The Pretty One

Year: 2014

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Jenée LaMarque

DramaComedy

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Pretty One 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 Pretty One (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Pretty One (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie does not specify a particular time period, but it takes place in a contemporary setting where themes of identity and personal growth resonate with modern audiences. This context allows characters to navigate relationships and societal expectations that are relatable today.

Location

City, Home

The city represents the bustling urban life where Laurel's twin sister Audrey thrived as a successful real estate agent. It is a place of opportunity, luxury, and excitement, in stark contrast to the quiet life at home. Home reflects a more subdued existence filled with familial duties, where Laurel supports their widowed father and engages in creative pursuits like painting.

🏙️ City 🏡 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:55

Main Characters – The Pretty One (2014)

Meet the key characters of The Pretty One (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Laurel

Laurel is the shy and socially awkward twin who undergoes a transformative journey after her sister Audrey's death. Struggling with her identity, she initially hides behind Audrey's persona to navigate life but ultimately seeks to embrace her own individuality. Her character represents resilience as she confronts her insecurities and learns to express herself authentically.

🌱 Growth ✨ Transformation 😔 Insecurity

Audrey

Audrey embodies sophistication and success, serving as a stark contrast to Laurel's character. Her life is characterized by confidence and a troubled romance that reveals her complexity. Although she is gone, her impact on Laurel greatly shapes the narrative, highlighting the struggle between expectations and individuality.

🌟 Success 💔 Romance 👸 Confidence

Basel

Basel is Audrey's former tenant who becomes romantically involved with Laurel after her impersonation of Audrey. He is initially confused by Laurel’s change in demeanor but finds warmth in her new persona. His feelings raise questions about authenticity and the nature of love, as he grapples with his attraction to who he believes is Audrey.

💖 Love 🤷‍♂️ Confusion 🌟 Warmth

Charles

Charles is Audrey's ex-boyfriend, whose troubled relationship with her adds depth to the story. His presence serves as a reminder of Audrey's complexities and the unintended consequences of Laurel's impersonation. His character adds tension and drama as Laurel navigates her feelings and the fallout from her choices.

💔 Heartbreak 🙈 Drama 🤔 Complexity

Claudia

Claudia is a colleague of Audrey's who becomes an important figure in Laurel's journey towards 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 the process of personal growth.

🤝 Friendship ✨ Support 🌈 Encouragement

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:55

Major Themes – The Pretty One (2014)

Explore the central themes of The Pretty One (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👥 Identity

The exploration of identity is central to the narrative as Laurel adopts her sister's persona following Audrey's death. This theme delves into the complexity of self-perception and the impact of familial ties on personal identity. Laurel's journey becomes one of self-discovery, addressing the struggle to be true to herself while navigating the expectations set by her sister's life.

💔 Love and Loss

The film intricately weaves the themes of love and loss, highlighting how tragedy can shift relationships and personal desires. Laurel experiences profound loss but also discovers the depths of love through her connection with Basel and the sacrifices inherent in these feelings. The interplay of these emotions is a driving force behind Laurel's actions and decisions throughout the story.

🎨 Self-Expression

Self-expression emerges as a critical theme as Laurel explores her identity through painting. The act of creating art becomes a means for her to reconnect with her true self. This theme underscores the importance of being authentic and finding one's voice amidst the chaos of life and personal tragedy.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:55

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

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.

bittersweethopefulcatharticheartfeltmelancholicintrospectivetender

Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

introspectiveheartfelttenderawkwardhopefulgentlecharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

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 These Movies?

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.

Unlock the Full Story of The Pretty One

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

The Pretty One Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Pretty One, 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 Pretty One Summary

The Pretty One Timeline

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

The Pretty One Timeline

The Pretty One Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Pretty One that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Pretty One Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Pretty One

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Pretty One: 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 Pretty One