Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

What Women Want (2000) movie poster

Timeline

What Women Want (2000) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2000 · 127 min · Chinese
JustWatch #6,355 13
Directed by
Nancy Meyers
Starring
Helen Hunt, Mel Gibson
Budget
$70M

After an accident, a workaholic advertising executive mysteriously gains the ability to hear women's thoughts. Suddenly privy to their innermost feelings and opinions, he’s forced to re-evaluate his perceptions and confront his own biases. This unexpected gift leads him on a comedic and insightful journey as he attempts to understand women and, ultimately, himself.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (14)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like What Women Want
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch What Women Want (2000)

Where can you watch What Women Want? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, Paramount Plus Essential and Paramount Plus Premium: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

14 events in order · contains spoilers

What Women Want Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of What Women Want (2000) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Nick's Background

    Nicholas Marshall, an advertising executive in Chicago, is influenced by his mother's adventurous past as a Las Vegas showgirl. This backdrop contributes to his charming demeanor, surrounded by glamorous women and strong figures in the casino world, shaping his often chauvinistic attitudes.

    Where
    Chicago
  2. Promotion Announcement

    As Nick anticipates a promotion at Sloane Curtis advertising firm, he is startled to learn that Darcy Maguire, a sharp and savvy woman, is joining the team. This shift in dynamics introduces a new focus on appealing to female consumers, challenging Nick's marketing strategies.

    Where
    Sloane Curtis Advertising Firm
  3. Complicated Father-Daughter Relationship

    Nick's relationship with his 15-year-old daughter, Alex, becomes more strained as they navigate her teenage years together. Tension escalates when Nick confronts her older boyfriend, Cameron, highlighting Nick's protective instincts amidst their growing distance.

  4. Hairdryer Accident

    During a brainstorming session, Nick's thoughts drift away, leading to a bizarre accident involving an electric hairdryer in the bathtub. After losing consciousness, he wakes up to discover he has gained the unexpected ability to hear women's thoughts, turning his world upside down.

  5. Discovering Women's Thoughts

    Initially horrified by his new power, Nick soon realizes that many women view him as sleazy. Seeking help from his former therapist, Dr. Perkins, he learns to use this unusual ability to understand women better, particularly Darcy's inner thoughts.

  6. Bonding Over Shopping

    As Nick listens to Darcy's thoughts, he begins to appreciate her creativity and spirit. This newfound understanding helps him bond with Alex, culminating in a heartwarming shopping trip for her prom dress, which softens the tension in their relationship.

  7. Father's Concern

    When Nick learns about Alex's plans with Cameron for prom night, he attempts to steer her away from what he perceives as a shallow relationship. However, Alex misinterprets his protective behavior as controlling, further straining their already delicate relationship.

  8. Romantic Connection with Darcy

    As Nick's telepathic skills develop, so does his connection with Darcy, blossoming into romance. This newfound relationship is complicated when Nick exploits one of her advertising ideas, landing both of them in difficult situations professionally.

  9. Consequences of Exploitation

    Nick's decision to use Darcy's creative concept for a significant Nike campaign leads to severe repercussions for her. As a result, she faces the possibility of losing her job due to Nick's actions, challenging the integrity of their relationship.

  10. An Act of Redemption

    Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Nick takes steps to have Darcy reinstated, showcasing his growth and newfound respect for her. This pivotal act signals a shift in his character as he starts to shed his chauvinistic tendencies.

  11. Laid-Back Transformation

    As Nick continues to change, he begins to rebuild relationships with women in his professional life, particularly with Erin, the company secretary. Their connection deepens during a turbulent storm in Nick's life, mirroring his transformation.

  12. Comforting Alex

    After Cameron abandons Alex at prom, Nick steps in to support her emotionally, fortifying their father-daughter bond. This significant moment illustrates the evolving dynamic between them, as Nick learns to be more present in his daughter's life.

    Where
    Prom
  13. Confrontation and Forgiveness

    Nick confronts his recent behaviors during a visit with Darcy, leading to an emotional conversation. Their dialogue ends in forgiveness, solidifying their connection while showcasing how both have evolved through their experiences.

  14. A Promising New Beginning

    The evolving relationships culminate in a tender kiss between Nick and Darcy, signaling a hopeful future for both. They embrace the complexities of love and growth, leaving behind the issues that once held them back.

Last updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:13

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

What Women Want Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of What Women Want (2000): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

How does Nick gain the ability to hear women's thoughts?

Nick gains telepathic abilities after an accident during a staff meeting. While lost in thought, he falls into a bathtub containing an electric hairdryer, which electrocutes him. After regaining consciousness, he discovers he can hear women's thoughts. This bizarre accident is the inciting incident that drives the entire plot.

  • telepathy
  • hairdryer accident
  • supernatural ability
  • mind reading
Q2

Why is Nick surprised that Darcy joins his team?

Nick expects to receive a promotion at Sloane Curtis advertising firm, but instead learns that Darcy Maguire, a sharp and competitive woman, is joining the team to lead their new focus on marketing to female consumers. Nick's surprise stems from his outdated assumption that a woman would not be positioned above him in the workplace.

  • Darcy Maguire
  • promotion
  • advertising
  • workplace dynamics
Q3

What was Nick's mother like and how did she influence him?

Nick's mother was a daring Las Vegas showgirl who surrounded him with glamorous women and formidable casino figures during his upbringing in Chicago. This environment shaped Nick's charming but chauvinistic demeanor, as he learned to market products to men while using his charisma to manipulate women.

  • Nick's mother
  • Las Vegas
  • showgirl
  • upbringing
  • chauvinsim
Q4

Why does Darcy lose her job at Sloane Curtis?

Darcy loses her job because Nick steals one of her creative advertising concepts and uses it for a major Nike campaign aimed at women. When the campaign succeeds, Darcy is blamed for the idea leak and faces termination. Nick's exploitation of her work leads to serious professional consequences for her.

  • Darcy firing
  • Nike campaign
  • stolen idea
  • professional consequences
Q5

Why does Nick lose his telepathic ability?

Nick loses his telepathic abilities during a turbulent storm while driving to check on Erin, the company secretary. The loss of his powers coincides with his emotional transformation, showing that his supernatural gift was tied to his personal growth and willingness to change.

  • telepathy loss
  • storm
  • transformation
  • emotional change
Q6

Why does Alex think Nick is being controlling?

Alex views Nick as controlling when he tries to prevent her from sleeping with her boyfriend Cameron at prom. While Nick's concerns stem from recognizing Cameron's shallow intentions through his telepathy, Alex interprets his interference as an attempt to dominate her decisions, causing their relationship to further deteriorate.

  • Alex
  • Cameron
  • prom
  • father-daughter conflict
  • teenage rebellion
Q7

What happens at prom between Alex and Cameron?

At prom, Cameron unexpectedly abandons Alex when she refuses to have sex with him. This reveals Cameron's true intentions in the relationship and validates Nick's concerns. Nick then steps in to comfort Alex, strengthening their father-daughter bond during this difficult moment.

  • prom
  • Cameron
  • Alex
  • boyfriend abandonment
  • emotional support
Q8

How does Nick make things right with Darcy?

Nick reconnects with Darcy by confessing everything, his telepathic abilities, his theft of her idea, and his past behaviors. After this honest confrontation, Darcy forgives him. Their emotional conversation and reconciliation are sealed with a kiss, indicating they have a promising future together.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Nick eavesdropped on Darcy's thoughts to learn what she wanted, which initially seemed manipulative.

  • Darcy reconciliation
  • forgiveness
  • confession
  • kiss
  • romantic ending
Q9

What happens between Nick and Erin during the storm?

During a violent storm, Nick loses his telepathic abilities while driving to check on Erin, who was struggling with personal demons. He offers her a job opportunity she previously declined, which ignites a budding romance between them. The storm mirrors Nick's internal transformation.

  • Erin
  • storm
  • romance
  • job offer
  • second chance
Q10

Why does Nick use Darcy's idea for the Nike campaign?

Nick appropriates Darcy's advertising concept for a major Nike women's campaign because his old habits resurface. Despite developing genuine feelings for Darcy and gaining insight into her creative abilities through telepathy, he falls back into his pattern of taking credit for women's work. This decision ultimately backfires professionally.

Foreshadowing: Nick initially used Darcy's thoughts to gain professional advantage before developing genuine feelings for her.

  • Nike campaign
  • stolen idea
  • professional ethics
  • character regression

Movie threads

More Movies Like What Women Want, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes What Women Want tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Magical Self-Discovery Movies like What Women Want

A magical twist forces a self-centered character to grow and see the world differently. If you enjoyed the magical premise and personal transformation in What Women Want, you'll like these movies where a surprising ability leads to heartfelt growth. This list features similar comedies and romances with fantastical twists that teach characters valuable lessons about themselves.

  • transformative
  • charming
  • comedic
  • heartwarming
  • magical
  • redemptive
  • Tone: light, humorous, heartwarming
  • Pacing: steady, comedic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a flawed protagonist whose life is upended by a supernatural gift or curse. This power initially causes chaos but becomes a tool for gaining new perspectives, forcing the character to confront their biases. The story unfolds with comedic mishaps and poignant realizations, building towards a climax where the character must use their new understanding to make a moral choice, culminating in personal redemption.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a high-concept, lighthearted fantasy premise used to explore themes of empathy and redemption. They blend comedy with insightful character development, maintaining a steady, engaging pace and concluding with a satisfying, happy ending that reinforces the positive change in the protagonist.

Charming Workplace Rom-Coms Similar to What Women Want

Professional rivalry and budding attraction collide in a charming, character-driven comedy. Fans of the office setting and romantic tension in What Women Want will enjoy these similar movies. Discover other comedies and romance films where workplace rivalry sparks chemistry and leads to heartwarming personal and professional resolutions.

  • charming
  • heartwarming
  • comedic
  • playful
  • romantic
  • witty
  • Tone: light, charming, playful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically begin with two characters in professional opposition or competition. Their initial friction masks a growing attraction, explored through witty exchanges and collaborative (or sabotaging) efforts on a shared project. The plot uses the workplace as a backdrop for character revelation, forcing the protagonists to see each other beyond their professional personas. Conflicts arise from misunderstandings or career ambitions clashing with romance, but are resolved for a harmonious happy ending.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their specific setting and tone: a light, steady-paced blend of romance and comedy within a professional environment. They share a medium intensity driven by workplace stakes rather than drama, a straightforward narrative focused on the central couple, and a consistently charming, playful mood.

If you liked this

Movies Like What Women Want

Similar movies to What Women Want: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

What Women Want (2000) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about What Women Want 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.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app