What Is Bedazzled About?
The premise of Bedazzled in 264 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sleek, tech‑filled corridors of a San Francisco computer firm, Elliot Richards drifts through days of routine support calls and quiet desperation. A gifted but socially tentative IT worker, he watches the world from a distance, yearning for connection with his charismatic coworker, Alison Gardner. The office hum is punctuated by his restless imagination, and the contrast between his unremarkable job and his vivid inner life sets a tone that is both tender and slightly absurd.
One night, his whispered longing catches the attention of an unexpected visitor: the devil herself, sleek and beguiling, who offers a tantalizing bargain—seven wishes in exchange for his soul. The proposition feels like a whimsical fairy‑tale twist on modern life, promising the power to reshape his destiny and finally win the affection he craves. With a mixture of hope and trepidation, Elliot steps into a landscape where ordinary desires collide with extraordinary possibilities, each wish opening a door to a world that is simultaneously familiar and wildly distorted.
The film balances sharp comedy with a warm, off‑beat romance, using the fantasy premise to explore deeper questions about happiness, self‑acceptance, and the cost of shortcuts. Its tone flits between slapstick mishaps and earnest introspection, inviting the audience to laugh at the outrageous scenarios while feeling empathy for Elliot’s earnest quest. The vibrant, slightly surreal setting amplifies the humor, yet the heart of the story remains grounded in the universal longing for love and purpose. As Elliot navigates the consequences of his choices, the movie promises a charming, feel‑good journey that asks what truly matters when wishes become reality.
What Happens in Bedazzled?
The complete story of Bedazzled, from the first scene to the last, in 757 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Elliot Richards, portrayed by Brendan Fraser, is an unassuming geek trapped in a monotonous technical support role at a computer company in San Francisco. With no true friends and co-workers who take advantage of him, Elliot’s life is a constant struggle, especially when it comes to his feelings for his colleague, Alison Gardner. Haunted by self-doubt and social anxiety, he finds himself yearning for a connection with her, often telling himself that he would “give anything” for Alison to be by his side.
His wish doesn’t go unnoticed. Enter Satan, beautifully played by Elizabeth Hurley, who overhears Elliot’s desperate wish and offers him a fantastical deal: seven wishes in exchange for his soul. To test the waters, Elliot makes a seemingly simple wish for a Big Mac and Coke. In a cheeky twist of fate, Satan takes him to a McDonald’s, reminding him that there’s no such thing as a free lunch when he’s forced to pay for it. Once inside her nightclub office in Oakland, Elliot is persuaded to sign the contract, thus embarking on a tumultuous journey filled with wish after wish, each one leading to unexpected and often disastrous outcomes.
As Elliot navigates through these wishes, each scenario reveals new layers of his relationship with Alison and his co-workers, ultimately showcasing the pitfalls of his desires. When he wishes to be rich and powerful with Alison as his wife, he finds himself cast as a Colombian drug lord—a notorious criminal whose wife is unfaithful and who has to fend off a murderous co-worker planning to usurp him. In a shocking turn of events, a cosmic confrontation results in Elliot’s “death,” but he awakens back in reality with the chilling realization that he never explicitly wished for Alison to truly love him.
In his next endeavor, Elliot hopes to gain emotional sensitivity, aiming to understand women better. However, this backfires spectacularly as he becomes an overly emotional man, reduced to tears at the beauty of life, causing Alison who had only just become his girlfriend, to opt for the company of someone “strong and shallow” instead. Disheartened but determined, he wishes to be a superstar athlete, alluring to women, but Satan adds the twist of making him an NBA player with a small endowment and low intelligence, much to Alison’s dismay as she loses interest.
Elliot then goes for the ultimate transformation—intelligence, wit, and charisma. Granted his wish, he sees himself as a famed writer, winning Alison’s heart at a high-profile cocktail party. Yet, in a cruel twist, it’s revealed he is gay and living with a flamboyant partner, shattering his romantic fantasies with Alison yet again. Seeking redemption and a final opportunity to shape his existence, Elliot wishes to become the President of the United States, only to be thrust into the haunting climax of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theatre, facing inevitable doom.
Throughout this chaotic adventure, Elliot learns that he has not been specific enough with his wishes. His last two wishes hang in the balance as he returns to his uninspiring job, pondering what might finally bring him happiness. In a desperate attempt for divine intervention, Elliot finds himself in a church, only to be misjudged and arrested when he confesses his dealings with Satan. In a twist of irony, his fellow inmate assures him that his soul ultimately belongs to God, planting the seeds of enlightenment regarding his true self and purpose.
Determined, Elliot demands to cancel his contract with Satan, who refuses initially. However, as they are transported to Hell, Elliot makes a profound selfless wish for Alison to find happiness—invoking Satan’s unexpected concession as his wish voids the contract, allowing him to keep his soul. Upon awakening, he finds himself in a courthouse, where he realizes that he has obtained freedom from temptation, while acknowledging a unique bond with Satan, seeing her as a friend.
In the closing moments, Elliot returns to his daily life with a newfound understanding of himself. Confronted by a bully from work, he’s able to stand his ground and assert himself without resorting to violence. The film wraps up with Elliot meeting his new neighbor, Nicole Delarusso, whose resemblance to Alison stirs nostalgic feelings as they start to form a budding relationship. The intriguing final scene hints at divine oversight as Satan and Elliot’s cellmate, now revealed as God, play chess in the background, casting a light on the everyday intricacies of life and love. With a shy smile, Elliot embarks on a fresh chapter, prepared to embrace life fully and with purpose.
Bedazzled Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Elliot's Lonely Life” to “The Choice of Humanity”. 6 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Elliot's Lonely Life
Elliot Richards, a socially awkward geek, struggles in his dead-end job with no friends and an unrequited crush on Alison Gardner. His lack of courage prevents him from expressing his feelings, leaving him feeling isolated at work in San Francisco.
Where:San Francisco
- 2
The Bargain with Satan
In a moment of desperation, Elliot wishes for Alison to be with him, inadvertently catching the attention of Satan, who offers him seven wishes in exchange for his soul. Elliot's first wish serves as a test, leading him to experience a Big Mac and Coke, showing that nothing comes without a price.
- 3
Becoming a Drug Lord
Elliot's first real wish grants him wealth and power, transforming him into a Colombian drug lord. However, he faces betrayal from his own wife and a deadly confrontation with a rival, highlighting the dark consequences of his desires.
Where:Colombia
- 4
Sensitivity Gone Wrong
Wishing to be emotionally sensitive leads to Elliot becoming overly emotional and irritating to Alison, who quickly grows tired of his constant need for reassurance. Ultimately, she leaves him for someone who embodies the strength he lacks.
- 5
The NBA Star
Elliot wishes to be a superstar athlete, but he is turned into a clichéd NBA star with significant drawbacks. As a result, he becomes unattractive to Alison, who is a sports reporter, further illustrating the complications of his wishes.
- 6
Fame As a Writer
In a bid to be intelligent and desired, Elliot becomes a famous writer, and briefly captures Alison's attention. However, their romantic encounter reveals a shocking twist: Elliot lives with a flamboyant male partner, complicating his newfound success.
- 7
Night of Lincoln's Assassination
Wishing to be the President of the United States, Elliot finds himself as Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination. This wish underscores his desperate need for validation and impact, yet puts him in a perilous historical moment.
When:1865 Where:Ford's Theatre
- 8
Meeting Satan Again
After realizing the dire consequences of his wishes, Elliot confronts Satan after renouncing several of his wishes. He is reminded of his initial test wish for a Big Mac and Coke, realizing the complexities of the contract he signed.
- 9
Arrested by Satan
Elliot seeks guidance from a priest while visiting a church, but instead gets arrested after a misunderstanding. Satan, now dressed as a police officer, informs him that selling one's soul isn't as simple as it seems, adding to his confusion.
Where:Church
- 10
A Selfless Wish
While in a cell, Elliot makes a selfless wish for Alison’s happiness, prompting Satan to take him to Hell. This pivotal moment reveals the depth of his character as he places others’ well-being above his selfish desires.
Where:Hell
Show the other 5 events of Bedazzled Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Courthouse Revelation
Elliot wakes up to discover that Hell was a metaphor for his struggles, finding himself in a courthouse. This moment of realization voids his contract, allowing him to keep his soul and return to the real world.
Where:Courthouse
- 12
A Changed Man
Emerging from his ordeal, Elliot has a newfound understanding of himself and his desires. Although he approaches Alison to ask her out, he's met with disappointment as she is already in a relationship.
- 13
Standing Up to Bullying
Confronted by a co-worker, Bob, who begins to ridicule him, Elliot finds the strength to stand up for himself. With a calm demeanor, he discourages further mockery from his colleagues, signaling his growth.
- 14
A New Beginning
Elliot meets his new neighbor, Nicole, who bears a striking resemblance to Alison, yet possesses her unique personality traits. As they begin to form a friendship, there is hope for a new romantic relationship.
- 15
The Choice of Humanity
In a light-hearted moment, Satan and Elliot's cellmate, symbolizing God, engage in a game of chess while observing Elliot and Nicole. This scene underscores the notion that Heaven and Hell exist within human choices and relationships.
Who Are the Main Characters in Bedazzled?
2 characters, among them Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser) and Satan (Elizabeth Hurley): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Elliot Richards (Brendan Fraser)
Played by Brendan Fraser
Elliot is an introverted tech support worker struggling with self-doubt and a yearning for love. His journey through a series of fantastical wishes reveals his insecurities and social anxieties, ultimately leading to personal growth and self-acceptance. His character embodies the theme of learning from one’s mistakes and desires.
- 👨💻 Geek
- 💔 Lovelorn
- 🎭 Self-discovery
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Satan (Elizabeth Hurley)
Played by Elizabeth Hurley
Satan is portrayed as charismatic and alluring, embodying temptation and mischief. Her interactions with Elliot serve to challenge his desires and reveal the darker sides of his wishes. Ultimately, she transitions from an antagonist to a figure representing potential friendship and enlightenment.
- ✨ Temptation
- 🖤 Charismatic
- 🌌 Supernatural
Where and When Is Bedazzled Set?
Bedazzled is set in San Francisco and Oakland. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie's events unfold in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal values and issues. It captures the experience of navigating relationships and self-identity within today’s fast-paced world.
Where
San Francisco, Oakland
San Francisco is a vibrant city known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, diverse culture, and thriving tech scene. Oakland, nearby, is recognized for its rich history, colorful street art, and robust music culture. Both cities serve as crucial backdrops for Elliot's journey, reflecting the ups and downs of urban life.
- 🏙️ Urban
- 🌆 City life
What Are the Themes of Bedazzled?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Regret, Desire vs. Reality and Redemption.
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01
Love and Regret
The theme of love and regret permeates Elliot's journey as he desperately seeks romance with Alison. His series of wishes ultimately reveal the complexities of love, highlighting how misguided desires can lead to disappointment. By the film's end, Elliot learns the invaluable lesson of selfless love.
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02
Desire vs. Reality
Elliot's fantastical wishes illustrate the tension between desire and reality. Each wish brings him closer to what he thinks he wants, but they often lead to unintended consequences. Through this exploration, the film sheds light on the importance of clarity in one's desires.
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03
Redemption
The pursuit of redemption is a central theme in the movie as Elliot seeks to overcome his insecurities and flawed wishes. His ultimate act of selflessness towards Alison signifies a turning point in his character arc and underscores the transformative power of genuine intentions.
What Kind of Film Is Bedazzled?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced, whimsical fantasy comedy that follows a lovable geek's chaotic journey of self-discovery through a series of botched wishes, blending humor and romance with a lighthearted, feel-good atmosphere.
- humorous
- fantastical
- lighthearted
- self-reflective
- quirky
- satirical
- deal with the devil
- wish fulfillment
- self-discovery
- romantic pursuit
Content notes: infidelity, sexual innuendo.
Quiz
How well do you remember Bedazzled? Test yourself on the story.
