What Is Always Be My Maybe About?
The premise of Always Be My Maybe in 248 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑washed streets of San Francisco, two childhood friends find their worlds colliding once more. Sasha, a driven chef whose culinary reputation now stretches from the Bay to Los Angeles, carries the confidence of a kitchen commander while still feeling the pull of the neighborhood where she first learned to season life with love. Across the same city, Marcus has carved a quieter path, leading a modest band and tending to the rhythms of a small-town music scene, his laid‑back demeanor a gentle counterpoint to Sasha’s high‑octane ambition.
Their shared history is seasoned with late‑night meals, a mother’s cooking lessons, and the kind of unspoken understanding that only neighbors who grew up side‑by‑side can claim. Now, after fifteen years of distance, the pair are thrust back into each other’s orbit, their reunion set against a backdrop of bustling restaurants, intimate concerts, and the ever‑present hum of a city that thrives on reinvention. The tone balances witty banter with heartfelt moments, letting the audience feel both the warmth of old friendship and the electric tension of something that might be more.
As they navigate the professional pressures of Sasha’s rising culinary empire and Marcus’s artistic pursuits, the film paints a portrait of two adults trying to reconcile the person they were with the person they’ve become. Their chemistry crackles like a well‑timed duet, promising both laughter and lingering questions about whether the bond forged in childhood can survive the complexities of adulthood and perhaps blossom into something deeper.
What Happens in Always Be My Maybe?
The complete story of Always Be My Maybe, from the first scene to the last, in 654 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Sasha, portrayed by Ali Wong, and Marcus, played by Randall Park, share a deep bond as childhood next-door neighbors and best friends in San Francisco. Their friendship blossoms during frequent dinners at Marcus’s house, especially since Sasha’s parents are often absent. With Marcus’s mother teaching Sasha the art of cooking, their connection grows stronger. However, tragedy strikes when Marcus loses his mother during their teenage years, leading them to become even closer in a moment of vulnerability that results in losing their virginity to each other in the back of Marcus’s car. Just after this pivotal event, Marcus reveals his intention to skip college, which triggers a heated argument amidst his emotional turmoil. Feeling hurt and betrayed, Sasha storms off, and they cease all contact.
Fast forward to the present, and Sasha has become a renowned chef in Los Angeles, engaged to restaurateur Daniel Dae Kim. However, when Brandon lands an exciting opportunity to tour with the esteemed Jose Andres, he suggests a six-month break in their engagement. Although Sasha pretends to accept this arrangement, she is torn apart inside and decides to return to San Francisco to open her new restaurant. Back in her hometown, her supportive friend and assistant, Michelle Buteau, hires Marcus and his father, James Saito, to install the air conditioning at her new residence. This leads to an awkward but emotional reunion between Sasha and Marcus, who has remained in his hometown, balancing his job with working in a band.
The two rekindle old feelings as Marcus invites Sasha to one of his shows. Shortly after, Marcus’s eccentric girlfriend, Vivian Bang, insists on preparing a peculiar dinner for Sasha, leading to another ride home in the very car tied to their first experience. Meanwhile, upon speaking with Brandon, Sasha makes the tough decision to break off their engagement. As Sasha and Marcus start spending more time together, she expresses her intent to start dating again. During a wrap party catering event, she meets someone who is never fully disclosed to the audience, and chaos ensues when she proposes a double date that shockingly involves none other than the quirky Keanu Reeves. As tensions rise during a game back at Keanu’s place – where Sasha admits to having had a crush on Marcus all along – the situation escalates to a physical altercation between Marcus and Keanu. Clearly irritated by the drama, Sasha decides to leave, but Marcus’s feelings for her continue to simmer beneath the surface.
Their unresolved emotions explode during a tumultuous Uber ride home, resulting in yet another kiss and subsequent night together. They begin dating, attending art exhibits and red carpet events, but the glamor soon begins to wear on Marcus, who finds himself longing for authenticity beyond the spotlight. As Sasha prepares to launch her new restaurant in New York, Marcus is conflicted but joins her as they navigate their feelings for one another. A pivotal argument reveals deeper insecurities, causing Sasha to leave broken-hearted.
Later, Marcus confronts the reality of his father’s newfound relationship, leading him to realize it’s he who hasn’t truly moved on from his mother’s death. After a drunken mishap at a band gig, Marcus hits rock bottom and recognizes his need to change. Fortuitously, when Sasha’s restaurant opens in San Francisco, he discovers her love and support manifested in her purchasing all of his band’s merchandise. Empowered by this realization, Marcus makes a grand gesture, following Sasha to New York, where he professes his feelings for her at a prestigious award ceremony. He offers to embrace her role rather than step back from it, exemplified by his request to hold her purse, which signifies that he’s ready to stand by her side.
As a heartwarming finale, the film concludes with all the characters joyfully attending the grand opening of Sasha’s New York restaurant, a tribute to her late mother’s kimchi, symbolizing a new beginning intertwining love, friendship, and dreams fulfilled.
Always Be My Maybe Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Childhood Friends” to “New Beginnings”. 15 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Childhood Friends
Sasha and Marcus grow up as next-door neighbors in San Francisco, sharing a close bond that forms during their early years. Their friendship deepens as they enjoy dinners together at Marcus's home, where Sasha finds comfort due to her parents' frequent absences.
Where:San Francisco
- 2
Loss and Vulnerability
Tragedy strikes when Marcus loses his mother during his teenage years, significantly impacting both him and Sasha. In a moment of intimacy and vulnerability, the two share their first sexual encounter in the back of Marcus's car, solidifying their bond amidst their grief.
Where:San Francisco
- 3
Conflict and Separation
After their first intimate experience, Marcus reveals he intends to skip college, leading to a heated argument with Sasha. Hurt by his decision, Sasha storms off, resulting in a painful period of silence between the childhood friends.
Where:San Francisco
- 4
Sasha's Success
Fast forward to the present, Sasha is now a celebrated chef in Los Angeles, engaged to restaurateur Brandon. Despite her success, she faces emotional turmoil when Brandon suggests a six-month break from their engagement to pursue an opportunity with chef Jose Andres.
Where:Los Angeles
- 5
Return to San Francisco
Struggling with her engagement, Sasha returns to San Francisco to open her new restaurant. Her journey back home brings up old emotions and familiar faces, particularly when her friend hires Marcus and his father to install air conditioning in her new place.
Where:San Francisco
- 6
Awkward Reunion
The reunion between Sasha and Marcus is both awkward and emotional, as they confront their past while navigating their current lives. Marcus, who has remained in San Francisco, balances his work with a band while rekindling feelings for Sasha.
Where:San Francisco
- 7
Memories Resurface
Marcus invites Sasha to one of his band shows, and they begin reminiscing about their shared history. As they reconnect, Marcus's girlfriend insists on cooking a strange dinner for Sasha, culminating in an awkward ride home reminiscent of their past.
Where:San Francisco
- 8
Breaking Off the Engagement
Upon reflecting on her relationship with Brandon, Sasha decides to break off their engagement. As she starts spending time with Marcus again, she expresses her desire to date once more, which leads to some unexpected social moments.
Where:San Francisco
- 9
Double Date Drama
Sasha orchestrates a double date that includes the quirky actor Keanu Reeves, leading to a chaotic evening filled with unexpected tension. During a game at Keanu's place, Sasha confesses to still having feelings for Marcus, which escalates into a confrontation between the two men.
Where:Los Angeles
- 10
Reigniting the Spark
After a heated Uber ride home filled with unresolved emotions, Sasha and Marcus share another kiss, rekindling their romance. Their relationship blossoms as they navigate many events together, but Marcus begins to feel overwhelmed by the glamorous lifestyle.
Where:Los Angeles
Show the other 5 events of Always Be My Maybe Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Dissonance in the Relationship
As Sasha prepares to launch her restaurant in New York, Marcus's insecurities come to the forefront. Following a painful argument, Sasha leaves feeling heartbroken, prompting Marcus to confront his own struggles and feelings about his mother's death.
Where:New York
- 12
Marcus Hits Rock Bottom
Marcus begins to face reality when he sees his father's new relationship, leading him to realize he has not truly dealt with his grief. A drunken mishap at a band gig forces him to come to terms with his need for change and growth.
Where:San Francisco
- 13
Support and Realization
During the opening of Sasha's restaurant, Marcus discovers her love through her support of his band, symbolized by her purchasing their merchandise. This discovery empowers him to take a leap of faith regarding his feelings for Sasha.
Where:San Francisco
- 14
A Grand Gesture
Marcus takes a bold step by following Sasha to New York, where he professes his love at a prestigious award ceremony. His request to hold her purse signifies his readiness to embrace his role in her life instead of shrinking away from it.
Where:New York
- 15
New Beginnings
The film concludes with a joyful celebration at the grand opening of Sasha's New York restaurant, which serves as a tribute to her late mother's kimchi. This event symbolizes the intertwining of love, friendship, and the fulfillment of dreams for all characters involved.
Where:New York
Who Are the Main Characters in Always Be My Maybe?
4 characters, among them Sasha (Ali Wong), Marcus (Randall Park) and Brandon (Daniel Dae Kim): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Sasha (Ali Wong)
Played by Ali Wong
Sasha is a dedicated and talented chef who connects her culinary passion to her cultural roots. She struggles with balancing her career aspirations with her deep-seated feelings for Marcus, showcasing her emotional depth and resilience amidst personal challenges.
- 👩🍳 Chef
- 💔 Heartfelt
- 🌟 Ambitious
-
Marcus (Randall Park)
Played by Randall Park
Marcus is a sensitive and creative soul who shares a profound history with Sasha. He grapples with the loss of his mother and his own aspirations, showcasing a journey of self-acceptance and emotional maturity as he learns to confront his feelings for Sasha.
- 🎶 Musician
- ⚡ Vulnerable
- 💕 Romantic
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Brandon (Daniel Dae Kim)
Played by Daniel Dae Kim
Brandon is a restaurateur engaged to Sasha, representing stability but also the challenges of navigating personal sacrifice for career ambitions. His character adds complexity to Sasha's journey as she confronts her true desires.
- 🍷 Restaurateur
- 🌱 Supportive
- 🔗 Complicated
- KR
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves plays a whimsical version of himself, providing comic relief and tension in the narrative. His eccentric personality offers a light-hearted yet insightful perspective on love and relationships.
- 🎬 Celebrity
- 🌈 Quirky
- 😂 Humorous
Where and When Is Always Be My Maybe Set?
Always Be My Maybe is set in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie primarily unfolds in contemporary times, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of modern relationships, careers, and personal growth. It reflects the evolving dynamics of friendships and love as characters navigate their aspirations amidst changing life circumstances.
Where
San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York
San Francisco serves as the backdrop for the childhood bond between Sasha and Marcus, known for its vibrant neighborhoods and culinary scene. Los Angeles represents Sasha's success as a chef, a city bustling with opportunities and celebrity culture. Finally, New York, where Sasha opens her restaurant, symbolizes new beginnings and dreams fulfilled.
- 🏙️ City
- 🍴 Restaurant
- 🌆 Urban Development
What Are the Themes of Always Be My Maybe?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Heartbreak, New Beginnings and Identity and Self-Discovery.
-
01
Love and Heartbreak
The central theme of love and heartbreak is illustrated as Sasha and Marcus struggle with their feelings for each other, highlighted by their emotional journey and past traumas. Their relationship showcases the complexities of rekindling old flames and the hurdles of moving on, emphasizing that true love often involves vulnerability and growth.
-
02
New Beginnings
New beginnings are represented by Sasha's restaurant opening and her reconciliation with Marcus. The film underscores the idea that change, while often difficult, can lead to fulfilling outcomes, as seen when Marcus supports Sasha's dreams and embraces his own emotional journey.
-
03
Identity and Self-Discovery
The theme of identity and self-discovery is prevalent as both Sasha and Marcus face the pressures of their chosen paths. Marcus grapples with his place in the world beyond the spotlight, while Sasha learns to balance her ambitious pursuits with her personal life and relationships.
What Kind of Film Is Always Be My Maybe?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A witty and heartfelt romantic comedy that delivers warm nostalgia and genuine laughs as it explores the rekindling of a childhood friendship into a mature romance, set against a backdrop of food, family, and self-discovery.
- nostalgic
- romantic
- funny
- heartwarming
- uplifting
- comforting
- childhood friends to lovers
- rekindled romance
- career ambition vs. contentment
- grief and loss
Quiz
How well do you remember Always Be My Maybe? Test yourself on the story.
