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Plot summary

Miss Conception (2008) Plot Summary & Timeline

Miss Conception (2008) movie poster

Miss Conception is a 2008 comedy and romance film directed by Eric Styles, running 1 hour 44 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 604 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Miss Conception.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
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Miss Conception (2008) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 44m
Director
Eric Styles
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Miss Conception About?

The premise of Miss Conception in 247 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In bustling London, Georgina Salt finds herself confronting a quietly urgent clock‑tick that threatens to outpace her dreams of motherhood. A family history of early menopause turns a ordinary longing into a pressing race against time, and the city’s chic cafés, cramped apartments, and ever‑buzzing streets become the backdrop for her quest. The film’s tone balances witty banter with heartfelt yearning, letting the humor of daily life soften the weight of a ticking biological deadline.

Supporting her are two distinctly different allies. Clem, her loyal best friend, brings a blend of practical advice and unapologetic candor, acting as both sounding board and comedic foil. Meanwhile, the unconventional Justin adds a dash of quirky charm, his off‑beat personality providing unexpected avenues for Georgina to explore as she navigates the maze of modern dating, fertility clinics, and the social expectations that swirl around the idea of starting a family. Their interactions are peppered with the kind of awkward, endearing moments that keep the story feeling fresh and relatable.

The world of the film is a vivid collage of eccentric characters and unlikely settings, each encounter offering both levity and a glimpse into Georgina’s evolving mindset. From stylish boutiques to intimate gatherings, the atmosphere is saturated with a bright, slightly chaotic energy that mirrors the protagonist’s internal turmoil. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is invited to share in the humor, the nervous anticipation, and the genuine hope that underlies every step of her journey—without ever revealing the ultimate outcome.

Full plot

What Happens in Miss Conception?

The complete story of Miss Conception, from the first scene to the last, in 604 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Georgina Salt, portrayed by Heather Graham, is a young contractor residing in London, yearning for the fulfillment of motherhood, which she believes is the missing piece in her life. The film opens with her long-term boyfriend, Zak (Tom Ellis), on a phone call with his sister who has just welcomed a baby girl. It’s clear that Georgina is more captivated by the newborn than Zak’s conversation. After the call, the couple transitions to their bedroom, where Georgina attempts to seduce Zak. However, Zak’s use of a condom leaves Georgina feeling disappointed.

The following day, while shopping for a gift for Zak’s sister’s baby with her mother, Vivienne (Vivienne Moore), Georgina finds herself overwhelmed by the joy surrounding baby items, which deepens her sadness. A doctors’ advertisement for women seeking pregnancy prompts her mother to mention Georgina’s aunt, leading to a surprising revelation: Georgina’s aunt, whom she assumed was a lesbian for not having children, struggled with infertility. This distresses Georgina, prompting her to spend £150 on a baby blanket before exiting the store.

At Zak’s sister’s home, Georgina is finally allowed to hold the baby, which brings her immense joy, while Zak clowns around with a belly sculpture. However, after accidentally breaking it, Zak shifts the blame onto his sister’s young son, leading to a tense car ride home. Frustrated with Zak over the statue fiasco, Georgina is about to pose a question when Zak interrupts, asserting, “I do not hate babies.” Misinterpreting his comment as an admission of disdain for children, Georgina insists that Zak pull over, leading him to crash at a friend’s place while she returns home in anger.

Earlier, Georgina visits the clinic with her best friend, Clem (Mia Kirshner), to check on her egg count. Upon receiving a call from the doctor, they learn that Georgina has only one egg left, and she’ll be ovulating for the next four days. The two women develop a plan to help Georgina find a partner, starting with a ‘date’ with Justin (Orlando Seale). Georgina’s bold declaration about her single egg surprises him, setting the stage for their unconventional pursuit.

Georgina attempts to host an ‘open house’ to attract prospective partners, though she initially turns away several unsuitable candidates. Eventually, an appealing man arrives, but just as things heat up, Zak’s call interjects, prompting Georgina to send him away. Meanwhile, Zak is entangled with Alexandra (Ruta Gedmintas), whose presence complicates Georgina’s frustrations.

Day after day presents new challenges as Georgina tries different strategies to meet someone. A visit to a funeral leads to embarrassment when her planning notes are discovered by a man she tries to seduce, further complicating her efforts. In a nightclub setting, Georgina tries to enhance her allure but ends up humiliated when a charming stranger absconds with her money.

Meanwhile, while Zak makes his way back to London, Georgina begins considering artificial insemination, despite her heartfelt hope to be with Zak. A hilarious mishap occurs when she accidentally squirts the sperm on a birthday cake, and her friend Clem suggests they ask Justin to help her conceive, though his reluctance creates tension. As events unfold, misunderstandings with Zak put a strain on Georgina’s pursuit of motherhood.

Amidst all this chaos, a pivotal moment arises when Zak ultimately confronts Georgina about their feelings. In the end, after several months filled with comedic yet poignant struggles, Georgina’s journey culminates in joy when she discovers that she is pregnant. The film closes at a birthday celebration for Zak, where they share not only their engagement but also the wonderful news of her pregnancy, bringing the story full circle with hope and love.

Timeline

Miss Conception Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Georgina's Yearning for Motherhood” to “Celebration of Love and New Beginnings”. 13 events name a place, across 12 locations.

  1. 1

    Georgina's Yearning for Motherhood

    The film opens with Georgina Salt, a young contractor in London, feeling unfulfilled in her life. Despite her long-term boyfriend Zak's phone call about his sister's newborn, Georgina longs for the joy of motherhood, believing it could complete her.

    Where:London

  2. 2

    Disappointment in Intimacy

    After Zak's phone call, Georgina attempts to seduce him to express her desire for a deeper connection. However, her hopes are dashed when Zak uses protection, leaving her feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

    Where:Georgina's bedroom

  3. 3

    Shopping for Baby Gifts

    While shopping with her mother for a baby gift, Georgina is overwhelmed by a wave of emotions as she navigates through the joy of baby items in the store. This experience deepens her sadness and leads to a distressing revelation about her aunt's struggles with infertility.

    Where:Baby store

  4. 4

    Tension at Zak's Sister's Home

    At Zak's sister's house, Georgina finally holds the baby, feeling immense joy. However, a mishap with a belly sculpture leads to blame being placed on a child, creating tension during the car ride home.

    Where:Zak's sister's house

  5. 5

    Misunderstanding Leads to Separation

    Frustrated with Zak after the car ride incident, Georgina misinterprets his remark about not hating babies. This misunderstanding escalates, resulting in Georgina demanding Zak pull over before she storms home in anger.

    Where:Car

  6. 6

    Clinic Visit and Egg Count Revelation

    Accompanied by her best friend Clem, Georgina visits a clinic to check her egg count. Upon receiving a call from the doctor, she learns she has only one egg left, setting the stage for her urgent quest for motherhood.

    Where:Clinic

  7. 7

    Unconventional Dating Approach

    Georgina and Clem devise a plan to help her find a suitable partner, starting with a bold icebreaker during a date with Justin. The revelation about her single egg surprises Justin, initiating a humorous exploration of modern dating.

    Where:Restaurant

  8. 8

    Hosting an Open House

    Determined to meet potential partners, Georgina hosts an 'open house' event but struggles initially with unsuitable candidates. Eventually, an attractive man arrives, but Zak's call interrupts and derails the budding connection.

    Where:Georgina's home

  9. 9

    Embarrassment at a Funeral

    While attending a funeral, Georgina faces humiliation when her plans to seduce a man are accidentally revealed. This embarrassing moment complicates her already challenging journey towards finding a partner.

    Where:Funeral

  10. 10

    Nightclub Mishap

    Georgina tries to enhance her appeal at a nightclub, only to face humiliation as a charming stranger makes off with her money. This incident highlights the failures and comedic struggles of her dating efforts.

    Where:Nightclub

Show the other 5 events of Miss Conception
  1. 11

    Contemplating Artificial Insemination

    Amidst her tumultuous relationship with Zak, Georgina begins considering artificial insemination to achieve her dream of motherhood. A comedic mishap with sperm during baking complicates her situation even further.

    Where:Georgina's kitchen

  2. 12

    Seeking Help from Justin

    Despite her reluctance, Clem suggests asking Justin to assist Georgina with her conception plans. The tension between Georgina's desires and Justin's hesitations creates a moment of comedic conflict.

  3. 13

    Confrontation with Zak

    As misunderstandings pile up, Zak finally confronts Georgina about their feelings. This pivotal moment addresses the underlying tension and their aspirations regarding parenthood and love.

    Where:Georgina's home

  4. 14

    Discovery of Pregnancy

    After months of comedic struggles and emotional turmoil, Georgina discovers she is pregnant. This news marks a turning point in her journey, signaling hope and fulfillment.

  5. 15

    Celebration of Love and New Beginnings

    The film culminates in a delightful birthday celebration for Zak, where Georgina shares her pregnancy news and their engagement. This joyous moment brings the story full circle, encapsulating the themes of love and family.

    Where:Birthday celebration venue

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Miss Conception?

3 characters, among them Georgina Salt (Heather Graham), Clem (Mia Kirshner) and Zak (Tom Ellis): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Heather Graham as Georgina Salt (Heather Graham) in Miss Conception

    Georgina Salt (Heather Graham)

    Played by Heather Graham

    Georgina is a determined and somewhat whimsical young woman whose desire for motherhood drives the narrative. Her emotional journey is highlighted by her comedic attempts to find a partner and navigate relationships, making her both relatable and endearing.

    • 👩‍🍼 Motherhood
    • 🤷‍♀️ Determination
    • 😂 Comedy
  • C(

    Clem (Mia Kirshner)

    Played by Mia Kirshner

    Clem is Georgina's best friend who supports her throughout her unconventional quest for motherhood. Her presence adds depth to the story, as she provides advice and comic relief, embodying the supportive friend archetype.

    • 👭 Friendship
    • 🙌 Support
    • 😂 Humor
  • Z(

    Zak (Tom Ellis)

    Zak is Georgina's long-term boyfriend who struggles to understand her deep desire for motherhood. His character brings tension to the relationship as he represents both romantic love and the complications of misunderstandings that hinder their connection.

    • ❤️ Love
    • 🤔 Confusion
    • 🙅‍♂️ Reluctance
Setting

Where and When Is Miss Conception Set?

Miss Conception is set in London. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

London

London is a vibrant and bustling city known for its rich history and diverse culture. It serves as the backdrop for Georgina's journey in search of motherhood, filled with various social settings and personal connections.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏠 Home
Themes

What Are the Themes of Miss Conception?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Motherhood, Relationships and Comedy.

  1. 01

    Motherhood

    The theme of motherhood runs deeply through Georgina's story as she navigates her desire to become a mother. The film humorously explores the lengths she goes to achieve this dream, including unconventional methods and strained relationships.

  2. 02

    Relationships

    Georgina's evolving relationship with Zak and her friends highlights the complexities of love and partnership. Misunderstandings and comedic situations reveal both the tension and the support that characterize close relationships during significant life changes.

  3. 03

    Comedy

    The film captures the humor inherent in Georgina's pursuit of pregnancy, blending comedic mishaps with heartfelt moments. The comedic elements provide levity amidst the serious themes of infertility and personal struggles.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Miss Conception?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced and lighthearted romantic comedy that follows a chaotic but hopeful journey of a woman racing against her biological clock, filled with quirky characters and humorous mishaps.

  • comedic
  • chaotic
  • lighthearted
  • hopeful
  • quirky
  • romantic
  • race against time
  • pursuit of motherhood
  • romantic comedy
  • biological clock

Quiz

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Read next

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3 films close to Miss Conception in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: The Back-up Plan (2010), Unpregnant (2020) and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016).

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FAQ

Miss Conception Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Miss Conception, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Miss Conception about?

In bustling London, Georgina Salt finds herself confronting a quietly urgent clock‑tick that threatens to outpace her dreams of motherhood. A family history of early menopause turns a ordinary longing into a pressing race against time, and the city’s chic cafés, cramped apartments, and ever‑buzzing…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Miss Conception take place?

Miss Conception is set in London. London is a vibrant and bustling city known for its rich history and diverse culture. It serves as the backdrop for Georgina's journey in search of motherhood, filled with various social settings and personal…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Miss Conception?

The story follows Georgina Salt (Heather Graham) (played by Heather Graham), Clem (Mia Kirshner) (played by Mia Kirshner) and Zak (Tom Ellis).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Miss Conception?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Motherhood, Relationships and Comedy.

The themes explained

Who directed Miss Conception?

Miss Conception (2008) was directed by Eric Styles and runs 1 hour 44 minutes.

Eric Styles’s films

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