The Proposal (2009) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Margaret Fires Bob

Margaret Tate, the editor-in-chief, fires fellow editor Bob for not securing an interview with Oprah, despite Bob having made the effort to contact the client. In a confrontational moment, Bob criticizes Margaret's toxic personality, foreshadowing her difficult relationships at work.

Where

New York City Publishing Company

Threat of Deportation

Margaret faces deportation to Canada due to a visa violation after traveling to Frankfurt during her application process. This unexpected legal trouble forces her to consider drastic measures to maintain her position and life in New York.

Coercing Andrew into Marriage

To avoid deportation, Margaret coerces her assistant, Andrew Paxton, into a sham marriage so that she can obtain a green card. She argues that her deportation would ruin his dream of becoming an editor, pressuring him to acquiesce to her demands.

Where

New York City

The Daily Grind

Margaret's strict nature is highlighted as she makes Andrew fetch her coffee every morning, reflecting the power dynamics in their working relationship. Andrew's easier-going personality contrasts sharply with Margaret's intense drive and ambition.

Where

Office, New York City

Immigration Investigation

Immigration agent Mr. Gilbertson suspects that Margaret and Andrew are engaged in a fraudulent marriage to avoid deportation. He warns them that inconsistent answers during the investigation could lead to serious consequences for both of them.

Where

New York City

Trip to Sitka, Alaska

Margaret travels to Sitka, Alaska, to meet Andrew's wealthy family after deciding to go along with the sham wedding. This trip becomes a pivotal moment for both characters as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics and personal history.

Where

Sitka, Alaska

Welcome Home Party

At a welcome home party, tensions rise when Andrew confronts his father over his disapproval of Andrew's relationship with Margaret. During this confrontation, Andrew publicly announces their engagement, causing a stir among family members.

Where

Family Home, Sitka

Encounter with Gertrude

Margaret learns from Gertrude, Andrew's ex-girlfriend, that Andrew had once planned to propose to her but that she rejected him. This revelation complicates Margaret's understanding of Andrew and his past, deepening her emotional connection.

Where

Sitka, Alaska

Family Bonds and Confessions

As the family pressures Andrew and Margaret to commit to marriage, Margaret reflects on her own tragic past, having lost her parents at a young age. This emotional sharing brings her closer to Andrew, forcing them to confront their fears about love and family.

Where

Sitka, Alaska

Gilbertson's Ultimatum

Gilbertson meets with Andrew's father Joe and presents an option for Margaret to avoid deportation by admitting their engagement is fake. The couple declines, reinforcing their commitment to convince everyone of their love.

Where

Sitka, Alaska

The Boating Incident

After an emotionally charged day, Margaret and Andrew take a boat ride where she expresses her feeling of isolation. An accident on the boat nearly leads to a tragic fall, but Andrew manages to save her, reinforcing their bond.

Where

Sitka, Alaska

Wedding Ceremony and Confession

At what was planned to be their wedding, Margaret stands up in front of family and guests to confess the truth about their relationship. Despite the impending consequences, they uphold their collective false narrative of love to avoid deportation.

Where

Family Home, Sitka

Andrew's Decision to Chase Margaret

After realizing that Margaret has left the family's home, Andrew finds motivation and courage to pursue her, fueled by his love. This pursuit eventually leads him to New York City, where he plans to declare his feelings publicly.

Where

Sitka, Alaska

Public Declaration of Love

In a dramatic turn, Andrew rushes to New York to profess his love for Margaret in front of her colleagues. This public display signifies a sincere commitment, as they embrace and confirm their feelings for each other.

Where

Publishing Company, New York City

Final Interview with Gilbertson

When they declare their love, Gilbertson interviews them with increasingly absurd questions, testing the authenticity of their relationship. This comedic moment solidifies the couple's determination to be together, despite all odds.

Where

New York City