Café Society

In the midst of Old Hollywood's golden era, Phil Stern (Steve Carell), a suave and successful agent, receives an unexpected phone call that sets the wheels of fate into motion. Unbeknownst to him, it's not a glamorous starlet like Ginger Rogers on the other end, but rather his sister Rose Dorfman (Jeannie Berlin), announcing her son Bobby's decision to leave their humble lives in New Jersey behind and pursue a career in Tinseltown.

Bobby Dorfman (Jesse Eisenberg), a charismatic young man with a complicated family history, is the product of a tumultuous union between his father Marty, a jeweler, and Rose. His siblings, Evelyn (Sari Lennick) and Ben (Corey Stoll), are as multifaceted as they are troubled, with Evelyn's gentle nature contrasted by Ben's notorious exploits as a gangster.

As Bobby makes the move to Hollywood, he finds himself navigating the treacherous terrain of Phil's office, where he's met with apologetic delays and ultimately rebuffed when trying to secure an audience. The young man's frustration is further compounded when he discovers that his supposed mentor has abandoned him for a romantic getaway to Mexico.

Seeking solace in the arms of a paid companion, Bobby calls for Candy (Anna Camp), only to be met with incompetence as she mistakenly arrives at his apartment, her nerves frayed by the task ahead. Despite the initial awkwardness, Bobby's fatigue and growing disillusionment lead him to dismiss Candy's charms and send her packing.

Finally, Phil deigns to grant Bobby an audience, agreeing to take on the young man as a protégé. Vonnie (Kristen Stewart), a charming and down-to-earth secretary, is tasked with showing Bobby the ropes of Hollywood's inner workings. As they embark on a whirlwind tour of celebrity homes, including the iconic abode of Joan Crawford, Bobby finds himself smitten not only with Vonnie's earthy charm but also her authenticity.

Despite Vonnie's commitment to journalist Doug, Bobby remains fixated on winning her heart, even as he ascends the ranks of Phil's agency and gains access to exclusive industry events. As the glamour of Tinseltown threatens to consume him, Bobby must confront the blurred lines between reality and fantasy in this star-studded world.

As the truth begins to unravel, it becomes apparent that "Doug" is actually Phil, leading a double life by having an illicit affair with Vonnie behind his wife's unsuspecting back. Despite her reservations about being the catalyst for a failed marriage, Vonnie finds herself hopelessly enamored with Phil. However, their torrid love affair eventually reaches its expiration date as Phil decides to sever ties and end things with Vonnie. Crushed and seeking solace, she subsequently finds herself at Bobby's doorstep, where he provides a sympathetic ear.

Meanwhile, Phil's absence from Vonnie only serves to deepen his despair, leading him to confide in Bobby about his recent infidelity, though omitting the identity of his mistress. Little does Phil know that Bobby has already begun a romance with Vonnie, one that blossoms into a genuine and all-consuming love. As Phil becomes increasingly despondent over losing Vonnie, he decides to confront her at her other job, where she tends to coats at a popular venue. In a surprise move, Phil proposes marriage to Vonnie, only to depart and return to his office, where Bobby awaits. The tension escalates when Bobby discovers a signed letter and photograph from Rudolph Valentino on Phil's desk, both gifts from Vonnie. This newfound knowledge prompts Bobby to seek out Vonnie at her workplace, imploring her to choose between him and the still-unrequited love she shares with Phil. Ultimately, Vonnie decides to follow her heart and opt for Phil.

As the story unfolds, Bobby finds himself in the midst of a new chapter, one that whisks him away to the glamorous world of cafe society. He soon becomes acquainted with an array of high-society individuals, including celebrities, politicians, and gangsters, while also forging a connection with Veronica Hayes (Blake Lively), who has recently parted ways from her husband due to his infidelity with her best friend. As they begin dating, Veronica's pregnancy prompts the couple to take the plunge and get married at city hall.

In a separate thread of the narrative, Evelyn and Leonard face off against their cantankerous neighbor, Joe (Brendan Burke), a man notorious for causing distress and disruption in their lives. Fearing for her family's safety, Evelyn enlists Ben's aid in addressing Joe's behavior. As tensions escalate, Ben and his cohorts take matters into their own hands, abducting Joe, shooting him, and subsequently burying him under cement – a fate eerily reminiscent of the previous owner of the nightclub they've recently acquired.

As fate would have it, Bobby's world is turned upside down when an unexpected visit from his friends-turned-in-laws, Phil (Phil) and Vonnie, brings them together once more. The trio ventures out to explore the city, their day unfolding like a perfectly scripted movie as they stroll hand in hand under the bright lights of New York City. It's only natural that their bond grows stronger with each passing moment, until finally, the stars align and they share a tender kiss on the banks of a serene park.

Meanwhile, back at home, Leonard's growing suspicions about Joe's disappearance lead to a devastating chain of events. As the truth begins to unravel, Ben finds himself facing the harsh reality of his own mortality, condemned to face the electric chair for his heinous crimes. In a remarkable turn of events, Ben discovers solace in his newfound faith as a Born Again Christian, much to the dismay of his Jewish parents who struggle to reconcile their son's transformation.

As the wheels of justice continue to turn, Ben meets his untimely demise, and Bobby, filled with a sense of closure, scatters his friend's ashes at one of Ben's favorite haunts. The nightclub, now shrouded in infamy, experiences an unexpected surge in popularity, drawing in curious patrons eager to catch a glimpse of the infamous spot.

Bobby, still reeling from the events that have transpired, sets his sights on Los Angeles, where he contemplates opening a new club. His time spent with Vonnie is bittersweet, as they reminisce about their past and the future that lies ahead. Vonnie reveals her plans to return to New York with Phil, and Bobby, sensing the inevitable, decides it's best to part ways with his former flame.

As the dust settles, Veronica turns to Bobby, seeking reassurance about his faithfulness. With a gentle smile, he dismisses her concerns, reminding her that dreams are mere fantasies. The two share a tender moment as the camera pans out, capturing the somber mood that pervades both their lives.

In the final act, the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, and Bobby finds himself surrounded by revelers at his club, while Vonnie and Phil mingle at a Hollywood soiree. As the confetti and cheers fade away, our protagonists are left to ponder the bittersweet nature of life, their faces etched with a deep sense of longing and regret.