Whatever It Takes

Ryan Woodman is a school geek who crushes on Ashley Grant, the popular girl. His neighbor and best friend, Maggie Carter, is cute and intellectual, while Ashley's cousin Chris Campbell is a football jock. The setup establishes a triangle of interests and the potential for a plan to unfold.

Chris offers to help Ryan woo the girl of his dreams if Ryan does the same for him with Maggie. They strike a pact that binds their actions together, setting the stage for manipulative schemes. The deal centers on swapping targets and using insincere tactics.

Ryan begins composing soulful emails for Chris to use with Maggie, crafting messages that pretend to be a genuine connection. Chris, meanwhile, advises Ryan to treat Ashley poorly, arguing it will grab her attention. The pair test out cynical tactics as part of their plan.

Chris pushes Ryan to be a dirtier version of himself to win Ashley, insisting that bold cruelty will make her notice him. Ryan's nerves and awkwardness clash with the plan, revealing cracks in their strategy. The advice foreshadows consequences for both relationships.

Neither guy finds it easy to change their ways. Chris comes on too strong for Maggie, while Ryan remains too nervous to be the jerk needed to attract Ashley. The early attempts highlight the dysfunction of their plan.

As they begin to gain some apparent traction, Ryan's newfound hostility toward his geeky friends backfires, lowering Maggie's opinion of him. The social price of his manipulated behavior becomes clear. The trust between friends and with Maggie starts to erode.

Maggie starts to question her interest in the narcissistic Chris, sensing the manipulation beneath his charm. Her doubts grow as the dynamic between the two boys becomes more transparent. She begins reassessing where she belongs.

Ryan learns that Chris intends to nail and bail Maggie on prom night, a tactic he has used with every girl he's dated. Ryan warns him that Maggie is too good for that approach, but Chris ignores the warning. The plan reaches a critical turning point as deception looms.

During the prom buildup, Ryan confesses his true feelings for Maggie and reveals that he wrote the romantic letters all along, not Chris. Maggie feels betrayed by the deception and is hesitant to reciprocate his feelings. The confession reframes the relationships in the group.

Maggie ends up going to the prom with Chris, while Ryan attends with Ashley. The fake romance has given way to real-world consequences as the couples navigate the social dynamics of the night. The promises of the plan crumble under the weight of truth.

At an afterparty in a hotel, Maggie makes a bold move by tying Chris to the bed and photographing him in a humiliating position. Other partygoers taunt and draw on him, exposing the uglier side of the night. The consequences of deception reach their peak here.

Ryan abandons Ashley and goes after Maggie, driven by a reassessment of his feelings. He seeks to repair the harm caused by the deception and pursue a more honest connection. The pursuit signals a pivot toward genuine emotion.

Back at their homes, Ryan apologizes to Maggie over the balcony for the wrongs done during the scheme. Maggie expresses how hurt she was by the deception, but Ryan affirms that she belongs with him. They share a kiss, sealing their rekindled connection.