The Other Zoey 2023

Zoey Miller, a brilliant computer science major at Queens University of Charlotte, believes wholeheartedly that true connection stems from intellectual engagement rather than romantic love. On Valentine’s Day, she confidently challenges her classmate Becca during a presentation, arguing that the holiday is merely a product of commercialism. To support her beliefs, Zoey has created an innovative app that matches people based on their algorithmic compatibility.

As Zoey navigates campus alongside her friend and roommate Elle, they encounter the school’s star soccer player, Zach MacLaren, who inadvertently strikes her with a soccer ball. Apologetic and concerned, he offers to take her for medical assistance. Although Elle views this incident as a potential romantic meet-cute, Zoey is indifferent and shrugs it off.

Later, in one of her lectures, she is intrigued by a mysterious dark-haired figure who shares her same views but vanishes before she can speak with him. That evening, while watching romantic comedies with Elle—despite her hatred for the genre—Zoey receives a call from her mother, Paula, who reminds her once again of the clichéd nature of rom-coms, heightening Zoey’s disdain.

Zach reappears when he visits the campus bookstore where Zoey works. Their interactions are filled with teasing banter, but Zach eventually leaves abruptly after ordering a book. When Zoey rushes after him, intending to retrieve her forgotten credit card, Zach accidentally crashes into a parked car. Dazed from the incident, he mistakenly believes Zoey is his girlfriend, as they share the same name.

Once at the hospital, summoned by the EMT, Zoey maintains a steady demeanor while encountering Zach’s parents, who also assume she is Zach’s girlfriend due to his memory loss. Following the doctor’s advice to keep things light for Zach’s sake, his family kindly invites her to dinner. There, she meets his younger sister, Avery, and her cousin Miles, the same classmate whose ideologies parallel her own.

As she spends more time with Zach, she discovers numerous shared interests. When invited on a ski trip, Zoey decides to cancel her visit with her mother, Paula, to join them. While on the slopes, Miles teaches her snowboarding, and their chemistry escalates to a hot tub kiss later that night. However, upon discovering that Miles is in a polyamorous relationship, her blossoming affection is tempered by the truth.

Despite this setback, Zoey devotes time to Zach, partaking in relaxing games like Jenga and chess, allowing their bond to deepen. As they share laughter and creativity when Zach makes a gourmet pizza, Zoey feels drawn to this gentle giant. Before they part, she urges him to remember the magic of their shared day when his memories return.

As twilight descends, she and Zach return to the MacLaren residence, only to encounter a shock in the form of another girl named Zoey, who plays soccer. Initially baffled by her claims of identity theft, Zoey clears up the confusion and apologizes for the misunderstanding. In a surprising twist, Avery expresses her preference for this new Zoey over the athletic version.

However, the next day, rumors start swirling around campus regarding Zoey’s alleged antics, leading to an emotional confrontation with Elle. Elle confesses she has been dating someone secretly—a charming delivery person—out of fear that revealing her feelings might hurt Zoey. In desperate need of support, Zoey confides in her mother, Paula, who encourages her to chase after her heart.

Upon her return to school, Zoey pens a sincere apology poem for Elle, and they make amends. Subsequently, Becca suggests that to repair her reputation, Zoey should promote the upcoming Jam Fest by creating an interactive website. After a night of hard work, Zoey launches the site and settles into her favorite pajamas to watch the event unfold from home. Yet, Elle’s determined encouragement leads Zoey to attend the festival, where she finds Zach.

As she approaches him, Zoey gathers the courage to share her emotions, only for Zach to reveal that he had ended his relationship with the other Zoey because of his developing feelings for her. With everything laid bare, they celebrate their newfound connection with a passionate kiss amidst the vibrant Jam Fest atmosphere.