The To Do List

The To Do List

Year: 2013

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Maggie Carey

ComedyRomance

As summer '93 heats up, straight-laced valedictorian Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza) embarks on a quest to break free from her uptight shell. With a list of long-overdue experiences, including the ultimate rite of passage, she sets out to make up for lost time with friends, family, and even her boss. But as the days tick by, this high school graduate discovers that the real challenge lies not in checking off items on her list, but in embracing the messy beauty of coming of age.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The To Do List (2013)
Trace every key event in The To Do List (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Brandy's Valedictorian Honor

In 1993, Brandy Klark, a studious and socially awkward teenager from Boise, Idaho, proudly graduates as her high school's valedictorian. This significant achievement sets the tone for her transformative summer ahead and highlights her dedication to academics.

1993 Boise, Idaho
2

The Graduation Party

Following her graduation ceremony, Brandy attends a vibrant party with her best friends, Wendy and Fiona. It's here that she experiences her first kiss with Rusty Waters, a charming college student, igniting her ambitions for romance during the summer.

3

A Misunderstanding

After sharing a kiss at the party, Brandy faces a blow when Rusty mistakenly confuses her for someone else. This misunderstanding devastates her and triggers her determination to explore her sexuality and pursue Rusty.

4

Brandy's Lifeguard Job

To get closer to Rusty, Brandy takes a lifeguard position at the local pool while also preparing for the upcoming school year. This job not only brings her closer to her crush but also opens doors to various summer experiences.

Local Pool
5

Initiation Tasks

Brandy's naïveté leads her into a series of initiation tasks imposed by the laid-back pool staff, led by Willy. One such task involves cleaning a shocking prank that turns out to be genuine, which strains her relationship with Willy.

Local Pool
6

An Unlikely Friendship

After pushing Willy into the pool as vengeance, Brandy learns of his inability to swim, which surprisingly leads to the beginning of a friendship. She offers to teach him how to swim, showcasing her kindness despite their rough start.

Local Pool
7

Crafting the 'To Do List'

Motivated by her quest for personal experiences, Brandy meticulously creates a 'to-do list' of intimate encounters she wishes to pursue over the summer. This list becomes both a guide and a source of conflict for her relationships.

8

Cameron's Feelings

Brandy's close friend Cameron becomes emotionally invested in her during the summer, but his feelings lead to heartache when he discovers her list. This revelation shatters his trust and forces Brandy to confront the implications of her actions.

9

After-Hours Antics

While Brandy and her friends indulge in late-night antics with a grunge band at the pool, Willy catches them in the act. The consequences of this escapade thrust Brandy into trouble, resulting in her departure from the job she cherished.

Local Pool
10

Breach of Trust with Friends

Brandy's friends Wendy and Fiona discover her scorecard of sexual encounters, leading to an intense confrontation. Hurt by her prioritization of desire over friendship, they accuse her of betrayal and leave her feeling isolated.

11

Rebellious Moment with Rusty

Brandy shares a brief moment of rebellion with Rusty at a rival pool, a fleeting escape from her troubles. However, Wilhelm's intervention leads to her termination from her lifeguard job, further complicating her summer.

Rival Pool
12

Fighting for Her Relationships

After several conflicts, Brandy realizes the emotional turmoil her actions have caused. She reaches out to her friends and offers heartfelt apologies, including a poignant musical gesture to express her regret.

13

A Job Offer from Willy

As summer winds down, Willy surprises Brandy by offering her a lifeguard position for the next summer. This gesture reignites her sense of purpose and hope for the future, positioning her to rebuild her life.

Local Pool
14

Reunion at Georgetown University

As seasons change, Brandy finds herself reunited with Cameron at Georgetown University. Their reunion stirs up past emotions, and their connection ultimately leads to a climactic moment of intimacy between them.

Georgetown University
15

Confronting Consequences

Just as Brandy embraces her newfound intimacy with Cameron, her father's abrupt interruption forces her to confront the consequences of her choices. This moment serves as a stark reminder that every action carries its price.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:24

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