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The To Do List (2013) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The To Do List (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 104 min · English
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Directed by
Maggie Carey
Starring
Bill Hader, Alia Shawkat, Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons
Budget
$1.5M

During a summer in 1993, valedictorian Brandy Klark decides to break free from her strict upbringing. She creates a list of experiences she wants to have before college, including a significant rite of passage. With the help of friends and family, and even a surprising encounter with her boss, Brandy attempts to make up for lost time and embrace a more spontaneous lifestyle. However, she soon realizes that growing up involves more than just completing a checklist.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like The To Do List
  8. 8 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

The To Do List Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The To Do List (2013), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza)

    Brandy is a studious and socially awkward teenager who strives to explore her sexuality during a transformative summer. Her determination is underscored by her ambitious 'To Do List,' leading her into a series of humorous yet poignant situations. Brandy's character evolves as she navigates the complexities of love and friendship, learning the importance of honesty and loyalty.

    • 👩‍🎓 Student
    • ❤️ Ambitious
    • 😔 Vulnerable
  • Willy (Bill Hader)

    Willy is the laid-back and enigmatic lifeguard who becomes an unexpected mentor for Brandy. His humorous and carefree nature contrasts with her determined personality, leading to a unique friendship that challenges both their perspectives. Through their interactions, Willy's character adds depth to Brandy's journey of self-discovery.

    • 😎 Mentor
    • 🎉 Fun-loving
  • Cameron Mitchell (Johnny Simmons)

    Cameron is Brandy's supportive friend who finds himself developing deeper feelings for her. Initially seen as a stepping stone in her quest for romance, his character embodies the themes of unrequited love and emotional turmoil. As Brandy's summer progresses, Cameron's struggles highlight the complexity of friendships intertwined with romantic aspirations.

    • 💔 Heartbroken
    • 👫 Supportive
  • Fiona (Alia Shawkat)

    Fiona is one of Brandy's close friends, providing a mix of support and confrontation throughout her journey. As an ally, she encourages Brandy to explore new experiences, but also holds her accountable when boundaries are crossed, reflecting the nuanced dynamics of teenage friendships. Her loyalty is tested as Brandy's actions create rifts within their group.

    • 👭 Loyal
    • 🤔 Confrontational

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:34

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Setting

Where and When Does The To Do List Take Place?

The setting of The To Do List (2013): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1993

The movie is set in 1993, a time marked by a shift in cultural attitudes towards sexuality and individuality. This era saw teenagers grappling with identity and relationships amidst societal expectations, reflecting the trials and tribulations that Brandy faces as she explores her burgeoning sexuality and seeks self-discovery.

Location

Boise, Idaho, Georgetown University

Boise, Idaho, is a vibrant city known for its green spaces, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of community. It serves as the backdrop for Brandy's coming-of-age journey, filled with summer adventures and youthful exploration. Georgetown University represents a new chapter in Brandy's life, symbolizing her growth and pursuit of higher education, where she reunites with her past as she navigates adult relationships.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🎓 University

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:34

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2 major themes

The To Do List Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The To Do List (2013) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Self-Discovery

    Self-discovery is a central theme in 'The To Do List,' as Brandy navigates the complexities of relationships and her own desires. Through her ambitious 'To Do List,' she embarks on an exploration of her sexuality, learning valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the impact of her choices. The journey showcases the importance of understanding oneself and the repercussions of pursuing superficial desires.

  • Friendship

    Friendship plays a critical role in Brandy's story, influencing her decisions and shaping her experiences throughout the summer. Her relationships with Wendy and Fiona highlight the challenges of loyalty and the strain that personal ambitions can place on friendships. Ultimately, Brandy's journey toward reconciliation reveals the strength of true friendship and the need for support in navigating life's tumultuous moments.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:34

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Character & theme questions

The To Do List Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The To Do List (2013): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is The To Do List set?

The movie takes place primarily in Boise, Idaho, during Brandy's summer before college. Later in the story, the setting shifts to Georgetown University in Washington D.C., where Brandy begins her college journey and reunites with people from her past.

  • boise idaho
  • georgetown university
  • setting
  • locations
Q2

What year is The To Do List set in?

The movie is set in summer 1993, during a cultural period when attitudes towards sexuality and individuality were shifting. This era of the early 1990s provides the backdrop for Brandy's exploration of identity and relationships.

  • 1993
  • summer
  • time period
  • 1990s era
Q3

Who is Brandy Klark?

Brandy Klark is the protagonist, played by Aubrey Plaza. She is a valedictorian who decides to break free from her strict upbringing by creating a 'To Do List' of experiences she wants to have before starting college, including exploring her sexuality.

  • brandy klark
  • protagonist
  • audrey plaza
  • main character
Q4

Who is Willy in The To Do List?

Willy is the laid-back lifeguard played by Bill Hader who becomes an unexpected mentor to Brandy. His humorous and carefree personality contrasts with her determined, list-driven approach, and their friendship helps challenge both of their perspectives on life.

  • willy
  • lifeguard
  • bill hader
  • mentor character
Q5

What is Cameron's role in The To Do List?

Cameron Mitchell, played by Johnny Simmons, is Brandy's supportive friend who develops deeper romantic feelings for her. His character explores themes of unrequited love and emotional turmoil as Brandy's summer quest unfolds.

  • cameron mitchell
  • johnny Simmons
  • love interest
  • unrequited love
Q6

Who is Fiona in the movie?

Fiona, played by Alia Shawkat, is one of Brandy's close friends who provides both support and confrontation throughout the summer. She encourages Brandy to explore new experiences but also holds her accountable when boundaries are crossed, reflecting the complex dynamics of teenage friendships.

  • fiona
  • alia shawkat
  • best friend
  • supportive character
Q7

What is the main theme of The To Do List?

Self-discovery is the central theme. Brandy uses her 'To Do List' to explore her sexuality and desires, learning valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the impact of her choices. The journey emphasizes understanding oneself beyond superficial goals.

  • self-discovery
  • coming of age
  • sexual exploration
  • identity
Q8

How does friendship play into The To Do List?

Friendship is a critical element that shapes Brandy's decisions and experiences. Her relationships with Wendy and Fiona test loyalty and reveal how personal ambitions can strain friendships. The story ultimately shows the strength of true friendship and the need for support during life's challenging moments.

  • friendship
  • loyalty
  • relationships
  • teen friendships
Q9

How do the settings of Boise and Georgetown University differ?

Boise, Idaho represents Brandy's controlled upbringing and summer of exploration, filled with youthful adventures. Georgetown University symbolizes her future and growth as she transitions into adulthood, where she must reconcile her past experiences with new relationships.

  • boise
  • georgetown
  • contrast
  • coming of age transition
Q10

What is The To Do List about?

The movie is a coming-of-age comedy about a valedictorian who creates a checklist of experiences to have before college. Through her summer-long quest, she discovers that growing up involves more than completing a list, it requires genuine self-reflection, honest relationships, and understanding the consequences of her choices.

  • movie meaning
  • message
  • coming of age
  • maturation
  • checklist

Movie threads

More Movies Like The To Do List, by Mood & Story

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

Awkward Coming-of-Age Comedies like The To Do List

Hilarious and cringe-worthy stories of youthful self-discovery and social blunders. If you liked The To Do List, you'll enjoy these movies that share its focus on cringe comedy and the painful humor of adolescence. This collection features similar stories of youthful awkwardness, sexual discovery, and comedic self-improvement set against a nostalgic backdrop.

  • awkward
  • comedic
  • embarrassing
  • youthful
  • nostalgic
  • rebellious
  • Tone: light, comedic, awkward
  • Pacing: steady, event-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a protagonist, often an outsider or a late bloomer, as they navigate the complex social rules of adolescence. The plot is driven by a series of humorous, often painfully awkward, attempts to gain experience, fit in, or achieve a personal goal, leading to both embarrassing failures and eventual self-awareness.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a specific tone that balances heartfelt coming-of-age themes with overt, situational comedy. The central appeal is the relatable awkwardness and the mix of secondhand embarrassment and genuine affection for the characters as they fumble their way toward maturity.

Bittersweet Teen Summer Journeys like The To Do List

Stories of transformative summers that end with a mix of accomplishment and melancholy. Find more movies like The To Do List that focus on a transformative summer before college. These films share a steady pace, a mix of comedy and heartfelt drama, and a bittersweet conclusion where characters achieve their goals but face the sobering reality of maturity.

  • nostalgic
  • youthful
  • bittersweet
  • reflective
  • comedic
  • friendship
  • Tone: bittersweet, reflective, comedic
  • Pacing: steady, episodic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative is structured around a finite period—typically the summer after high school—where a protagonist pursues a specific goal or list of experiences. The plot unfolds methodically as they check off items, leading to personal growth, strained friendships, and romantic entanglements. The conclusion is bittersweet, acknowledging success but also the loss of innocence and the impending separation from their current life.

Why they belong together: These movies are linked by their specific temporal setting, thematic focus on a 'last summer' of youth, and their distinct emotional arc. They blend comedy and medium emotional weight to deliver a story that feels celebratory yet realistically poignant, resonating with anyone who has experienced a formative Summer of change.

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Movies Like The To Do List

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Every angle

The To Do List (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The To Do List 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.

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