The Female Brain 2018

In a landscape where feelings are often dismissed as hindrances to clear reasoning, Dr. Julia Brizendine (Whitney Cummings), a dedicated neurologist with a penchant for systematic order, embarks on a journey to unravel the complex functions of the human brain. Her unwaveringly structured life extends deeply into her relationships, drawing considerable frustration from her loyal assistant Abby (Beanie Feldstein). Despite her attempts to neatly compartmentalize her emotions, Julia finds herself resorting to self-medication and living under the roof of her parents.

In parallel, Lisa Hampton (Sofía Vergara) and her husband Steven (Deon Cole) are caught in the throes of attempting to reignite the passion in their 12-year-old marriage. In a bold pursuit to revive their connection, Lisa seeks out more unorthodox avenues to regain excitement, only to discover that no external thrill can replace the emotional intimacy they’ve been lacking.

The narrative also features Lexi Mercer (Lucy Punch), a perfectionist entrenched in her own emotional stagnation, much to the dismay of her boyfriend Adam Simmons (James Marsden). As their romantic connection teeters on the edge of failure, Lexi’s obsessive quest for control becomes increasingly burdensome for both of them.

Zoe Green-Basker (Cecily Strong), an ambitious sales manager navigating the hurdles of societal expectations, is determined to carve her own unique path. Her marriage to professional basketball player Greg (portrayed by Blake Griffin) has been a whirlwind of excitement; however, Greg’s recent injury breeds restlessness, leading him to tackle the task of renovating their bathroom all on his own.

As Dr. Brizendine immerses herself in her research, she crosses paths with Kevin Avery (Toby Kebbell), a patient whose unusual conduct ignites something unexpectedly alive in her typically unflappable demeanor. Although Julia is initially doubtful, she’s captivated by Kevin’s charisma and agrees to a date, but is unceremoniously turned away when he expresses his longing for something more profound.

The threads that weave these interconnected stories begin to blend seamlessly as Dr. Brizendine faces a pivotal juncture in her life, compelled to reckon with her own emotional acumen. With Kevin’s resonant statement—> “Your testing is flawed because of your bias”—reverberating in her thoughts, Julia starts to question whether her rigid perspective toward love and life may have been misguided.

In a defining moment, Lexi appears at Adam’s door, stripped of all artifice and without makeup, offering a flicker of hope for reconciliation. Will Julia manage to reconcile her scientific endeavors with the tumultuous reality of human emotion? Only time will reveal the answers.

As the strain in their relationship escalates, Greg’s day takes an unforeseen twist upon stumbling upon a contractor at home, working on their bathroom. This surprise ignites a physical confrontation, which is abruptly interrupted by Zoe’s unexpected early return home. Her arrival unveils a stunning reality: the renovation was meant to be a delightful surprise for Greg, designed to inject joy into their relationship. But the surprises don’t end there; Zoe announces her intention to abandon her job to launch a new company, one that requires Greg’s financial input. As they confront these unforeseen developments, their relationship faces serious tests amidst the uncertainties and challenges that emerge.

Meanwhile, Julia’s personal odyssey takes an intriguing turn once she undergoes a brain scan, in search of clarity about her own emotional expressions and behavior. The findings are astonishing—her brain’s reaction is unexpectedly intense under various stimuli, compelling her to accept that she cannot govern her feelings. In a courageous move, Dr. Brizendine opts to share her enlightening revelations with the public during a TED talk, challenging ingrained societal views on the distinctions between male and female brains. As she articulates her insights, she finds an undeniable connection to Kevin that is both unforeseen and profoundly intimate. Recognizing that the possibility of heartbreak pales in comparison to the opportunity for love, Dr. Brizendine bravely steps forward into uncharted territory, a decision that promises to transform the trajectory of her life forever.