Whatever Works

After his divorce, Boris, a cynical chess instructor, chooses to isolate himself from society. He spends his days looking down on others who don't meet his intellectual standards while only interacting with a few friends and students.

One evening, Boris finds a young woman named Melody on his doorstep, who has escaped her strict upbringing in Mississippi. Though initially reluctant, he decides to help her and allows her to stay the night.

As they spend time together, Melody develops a crush on Boris, despite their significant differences. Boris begins to realize that he has fallen in love with her as well, shattering his previous cynicism.

Melody finds a job as a dog walker, where she meets Perry Singleton. After a date with him, she confides in Boris that she does not like him because he seems to love life too much.

After reflecting on her feelings, Boris proposes to Melody, and they get married. This marks a significant shift in Boris's life, showcasing his transformation from a misanthrope to a loving partner.

A year later, Melody's mother, Marietta, arrives, convinced that her daughter has been abducted. During their lunch, Marietta shares her own marital struggles, which further complicates the situation.

During their lunch together, Boris and Marietta meet Boris's friend Leo. Marietta is unimpressed with Boris, and she pushes Melody to rethink her marriage, causing tension between the characters.

As the weeks pass, Marietta starts embracing artistic photography and develops an open relationship with Leo and his partner, Morgenstern. This change leads her to attempt to meddle in Melody's love life.

Marietta plots to introduce a man named Randy to Melody, hoping to manipulate her emotions and ultimately end Melody's marriage. This introduction sets the stage for a new romantic conflict.

After some structured meetings, Randy leads Melody to express her dissatisfaction with her marriage, igniting an affair between the two. This new relationship complicates the already tense surroundings.

Meanwhile, Melody's father John grapples with regret and tries to reunite the family. His attempts lead him to a bar where he meets Howard, prompting a confrontation with his own sexuality and desires.

In a moment of vulnerability, Melody confesses her love for Randy to Boris, shattering his world and sending him into a spiral of despair. This confession marks a crucial turning point in their relationship.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Boris jumps out of a window in a moment of erratic behavior. He accidentally lands on a woman named Helena, leading to unforeseen consequences and setting up new dynamics.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, Boris throws a celebration where everyone is entangled in new romantic relationships. They all embrace their new lives and shed their conservative pasts, sharing heartfelt kisses as midnight strikes.

In an unexpected twist, Boris addresses the audience directly, sharing his insights on life. He encourages everyone to seek happiness and embrace life's joys, concluding with the phrase, 'Whatever Works.'