Wonder Boys

Professor Grady Tripp, a creative writing instructor in Pittsburgh, struggles with both his personal and professional life. He is having an affair with the chancellor, Sara Gaskell, while also coping with the fallout from his recent divorce from his third wife, Emily.

Grady battles with the pressures of writing a second novel that has ballooned to over two and a half thousand pages. His inability to replicate the success of his first book weighs heavily on him, leading him to seek solace in marijuana.

Among Grady's students are Hannah Green and James Leer. While Hannah has feelings for Grady, he remains oblivious to her affections and instead focuses on James, who presents himself as a passionate, yet enigmatic writer.

During a party at the Gaskells' home, Sara unexpectedly reveals her pregnancy. This news complicates Grady's already tumultuous relationships, as he is torn between Sara and his past with Emily.

Outside the Gaskells' home, Grady encounters James, who initially claims to have a replica gun. In a shocking turn of events, James shoots the Gaskells' dog, revealing the gun's authenticity and plunging Grady further into chaos.

In the aftermath of the dog shooting, James steals a valuable Marilyn Monroe collectible from the Gaskells' house. Grady is left grappling with the implications of James's actions while trying to manage his own secrets.

With the dead dog now in his car's trunk, Grady must navigate the emotional and ethical quagmire of keeping this secret from Sara. Instead of facing the truth, he chooses to hide the evidence, further complicating his life.

Grady confides in Walter Gaskell, Sara's husband, about his feelings for Sara. Meanwhile, Walter pieces together the mystery surrounding James, hinting at a deeper involvement with the stolen property.

Grady's editor, Terry Crabtree, arrives under the pretense of attending a literary festival but is actually assessing Grady's potential manuscript. His arrival disrupts the fragile equilibrium of Grady's life and introduces new complications.

As tensions rise, the police show up to hold James accountable for his actions. Grady's predicament intensifies when he discovers that his car—and with it, his precious manuscript—has gone missing.

After tracking down his missing car, Grady faces the devastating loss of his manuscript when the wind scatters most of the pages. This moment catalyzes a reflection on his past failures and the need for new beginnings.

Grady decides to share the sentimental meaning behind the stolen jacket with Oola, Walter's wife. This act of kindness helps him process his recent losses and rediscover connections amidst the turmoil.

Terry successfully convinces Walter not to press charges against James, leading to his agreement to publish James's autobiographical account. This twist marks a significant change in how Grady and James perceive their futures.

In the aftermath of the chaos, Hannah secures a position as an editor at a magazine. This marks a turning point for her as she steps into a future that expands beyond her previous feelings for Grady.

The film concludes with Grady finishing his manuscript at a computer, embracing a new chapter in his life. As he watches Sara with their child, he reflects on his journey, clicking 'Save' on both his manuscript and his future.