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Comedy

The Layover (2017): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Layover (2017) movie poster

The Layover is a 2017 comedy starring Alexandra Daddario as Kate, Kate Upton and Rob Corddry. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes. Critics gave it 15 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10.

IMDb rating
4.8/10
Echo Score
32
Metascore
15
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The Layover (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Layover About?

The premise of The Layover without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

While waiting for a delayed flight in St. Louis, two best friends, Kate and Meg, find themselves competing for the attention of a handsome stranger. Their easygoing connection is tested as they engage in a playful and increasingly competitive game of one-upmanship. This comedy explores the dynamics of friendship and the unexpected complications that can arise during a seemingly simple travel delay.

The Layover Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • six pack abs
  • hairy chest
  • bare chested male
  • pigtails
  • two word title
  • wine
  • friend
  • rivalry
  • competition
  • contest
+38 more
  • fireman
  • wedding
  • prize
  • cosmetic
  • rear nudity
  • long haired male
  • sex scene
  • camera shot of feet
  • tank top
  • sex with socks on
  • sunbathing
  • female wears a swimsuit
  • clothed female naked male scene
  • embarrassing male nudity
  • embarrassing nudity
  • awkward situation
  • barefoot male
  • nightclub
  • female protagonist
  • vacation
  • dancing
  • female friendship
  • best friend
  • roommate
  • apartment
  • watching tv
  • florida
  • airplane
  • airport
  • romantic rivalry
  • soda
  • airplane trip
  • classroom
  • reading aloud
  • high school
  • principal's office
  • reference to lord of the flies
  • brunette
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Cast & crew

The Layover Cast & Characters

Alexandra Daddario leads the cast as Kate, with Kate Upton as Meg and Rob Corddry as Principal Moss.

Ratings

The Layover Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Layover 15 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 32/100, strongest in rewatch factor (45) and weakest in story & flow (30).

32 /100

The Layover Echo Score Breakdown

The Layover struggles to deliver cohesive comedy or meaningful character engagement. Critics found misaligned character behavior and tone-deaf humor, while many users lamented the predictable plotting and forced conclusion. Some viewers praised occasional laughs and modest replay value, but these elements are overshadowed by uneven direction and clichéd writing. Ultimately, the film leaves a minimal lasting impression due to its fragmented execution and lack of originality.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 35

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s visual execution is notably uneven. Critics pointed out poorly shot sequences, flat production design, and a lack of visual cohesion, while few user comments addressed direction or editing. The pacing in key scenes suffers from abrupt cuts that undermine comedic timing. Overall, the direction and cinematography deliver little to distinguish the film’s aesthetic, resulting in a negligible creative footprint.

  • Character & Emotion 35

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances feel underdeveloped and inconsistent. Reviewers criticized the protagonists’ behavior as unrealistic and the chemistry as lacking genuine warmth. Although a handful of viewers found the acting engaging, most highlighted flat characterizations and tonal mismatches that prevented emotional resonance. Consequently, the film’s central friendships fail to convey depth or authenticity, leaving audiences detached from the leads.

  • Story & Flow 30

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative is largely predictable and uneven. Critics described the plot as foreseeable, citing contrived scenarios and an unsatisfying conclusion, while user feedback noted a sluggish pace and forced comedic set pieces. The originality is limited by clichéd gags and a lack of coherent momentum that undercuts engagement. Thus, the film struggles to sustain interest, delivering a bland and disjointed storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 35

    Regarding the sensory experience, the film offers minimal auditory or visual distinction. Observers pointed to flat sound design and an unremarkable score, and the visual style suffers from inconsistent lighting and uninspired production elements. Though there are moments of polished framing, these are offset by a lack of cohesive aesthetic direction. In sum, the movie’s soundtrack and visual presentation provide little enhancement to the overall viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    When evaluating rewatch potential, the film holds limited appeal for repeat viewings. A few viewers appreciated its occasional humor and light tone on subsequent watches, but most found that the comedic impact diminished quickly. The absence of deeper narrative layers or compelling character arcs reduces lasting interest. Overall, while not entirely devoid of replay value, the movie fails to offer enrichment upon rewinding beyond initial amusement.

Plot

The Layover Plot Summary

What happens in The Layover from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Kate (Alexandra Daddario) and Meg (Kate Upton) have been friends since childhood and currently share a cramped apartment in Seattle, where they are both facing personal challenges. Kate, an English teacher, finds herself uninspired and pressured to leave her job by Principal Moss (Rob Corddry), who believes she would thrive in a different career. Meanwhile, Meg, working as a cosmetics salesperson, is struggling to sell dubious North Korean beauty products. One fateful night, the duo decides to drink away their stress, prompting the free-spirited Meg to suggest a vacation to reinvigorate their lives. Although the cautious Kate is initially hesitant, she soon agrees after discovering that Meg has booked non-refundable tickets to Fort Lauderdale using Kate’s frequent flyer miles.

Full summary

The whole story of The Layover, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Layover Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Layover.

Trailer - The Layover
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Layover?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What do Kate and Meg use to secure their non-refundable tickets for Fort Lauderdale?

Cars

Cars in The Layover

26 cars on screen, including the 2003 Lincoln Town Car and the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria.

All 26 cars
  • 2003 Lincoln Town Car in The Layover 2003 Lincoln Town Car Important role
  • 2006 Ford Crown Victoria in The Layover 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Minor role
  • 2011 Ford Explorer in The Layover 2011 Ford Explorer Minor role
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 in The Layover Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 Minor role
Details

The Layover Also Known As

25 alternative titles, including “猎男有转机” and “עצירה בין טיסות”.

Also known as
  • 猎男有转机
  • עצירה בין טיסות
  • Стоянка
  • Terápiás csajok
  • A kényszermegálló
  • Cambio de planes
  • Пересадка
  • Промяна в курса
  • Aşk Molası
  • Escale à trois
  • Holky na výletě
  • Прекинуто путовање
+13 more
  • 中转停留
  • A Escala: Amizade em Segundo Lugar
  • Na výlete
  • 獵男有轉機
  • Lot z przygodami
  • Mister before Sister
  • 더 레이오버
  • Escala Obligada
  • Un uragano all'improvviso
  • טיסה לשלושה
  • Popasul
  • ふたりのトランジット
  • ศึกชิง "นาย" เลย์โอเวอร์, დაქალების ომი

Seen The Layover?

FAQ

The Layover FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Layover, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Layover?

The Layover runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was The Layover released?

The Layover was released on September 1, 2017.

Who is in the cast of The Layover?

The Layover stars Alexandra Daddario as Kate, Kate Upton as Meg and Rob Corddry as Principal Moss, among 19 credited actors.

How is The Layover rated?

The Layover has 4.8/10 on IMDb, 15 on Metacritic, 54% on TMDB and 1.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Does The Layover have a post-credit scene?

No. The Layover has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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