What Is Nice Girls About?
The premise of Nice Girls in 275 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the glittering heat of the French Riviera, the world of law‑enforcement feels both sun‑kissed and razor‑sharp. The camera lingers on pastel‑colored promenades and sleek yachts, while the undercurrent of duty hums like a distant siren. It is a place where the rhythm of vacationing tourists masks a network of covert operations, and the line between leisure and investigation can blur in an instant.
Enter Léo, a detective whose meticulous instinct is matched only by her restless curiosity. She arrives on the Riviera to handle a routine assignment, only to be drawn into a deeper current when her trusted colleague Ludo vanishes under grim circumstances far from the azure coastline. The shock of that loss reverberates through her, igniting a fierce drive to uncover the truth no matter where it leads.
Defying the cautious directives of her superiors, Léo chooses to follow the thread wherever it may go, even if it takes her away from the sun‑soaked shores to the cold, disciplined streets of Hamburg. There she encounters a formidable German counterpart—a detective whose reputation for methodical brilliance is as legendary as the city’s own precision. Their intellectual duel is less a battle of force than a chess match of wits, each move revealing hidden layers of the case and of themselves.
The film balances the bright, breezy ambiance of a Mediterranean getaway with the stark, methodical atmosphere of northern Europe, creating a tonal contrast that underscores Léo’s inner conflict. It is a story steeped in atmospheric tension, where the allure of the Riviera’s charm meets the relentless pursuit of justice, and where every glance, every pause, promises a deeper secret waiting to be unearthed.
What Happens in Nice Girls?
The complete story of Nice Girls, from the first scene to the last, in 569 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
The musical starts with the busybody postman who reads everybody’s mail, Hector, delivering mail to the Dana household and particularly to Cora, the maid he is in love with. Professor Oliver Dana is the head of the household. The oldest sister is Sylvia, an actress, and the youngest is Nancy, who is a bit of a flirt and has all the boys fighting over her. The middle sister Jane, the “nice girl”, makes her entry singing the song “Perhaps” to the rabbits she takes care of. Her father is trying to write a book about diet and is testing it on rabbits. Don Webb is her boyfriend, an avid car buff.
One day, Richard Calvert visits the Danas to study what Professor Dana is practicing with the rabbits. The three daughters are instantly enamored with him and do all they can to impress him. The family gets together with Jane playing the piano and singing “Beneath the Lights of Home”, accompanied by Oliver, Nancy, and Sylvia.
There is a Fourth of July celebration in which Oliver Dana gives a speech. After a bit of dancing, Jane sings “Old Folks at Home”. Don lends Jane the car to take Richard to the train station, but she decides to stop being a “nice girl” and drives him to New York. When they get there, she changes into some clothes that belong to Richard’s sister, and then plays a song on the piano, “Love at Last”, while she sings, and Richard comes down and sees her at the piano. Richard quickly sees that she is trying to not be a “nice girl”, but both of them realize that she is just playing a game and not really being who she is. So, she leaves his house and drives back home, still wearing Richard’s sister’s pajamas. She gets into town, but the car runs out of gas, and she manages to wake up the entire neighborhood. They all see that she is no longer a “nice girl”, and rumors start to fly instantly. Jane locks herself in her room until her father gives her a telegram from Richard.
Jane decides to face the music and go to the benefit for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, but doesn’t realize that everyone thinks that she and Richard are engaged. She sings “Beneath the Lights of Home” at the benefit. Everyone congratulates her afterwards about her engagement, but she thinks they are just fooling her. She goes to Don for comfort, and he agrees that it’s all nonsense, and, of course, Richard wouldn’t go for her. Jane gets angry at that and decides to show Don. She tells him that she is engaged to Richard, and Don storms off. Right at that time, Oliver and Richard come to the benefit. They congratulate Prof. Oliver (for the engagement of his daughter to Richard Calvert), but he is confused and thinks that they are congratulating him for getting his fellowship. Jane intercepts them and tells Richard that everyone thinks they are engaged. They fake a big quarrel so that they can break their engagement.
Meanwhile, Don has enlisted in the army, and Jane goes to see him to explain what happened. When she goes, Don tells her that he loves her. They kiss (off-screen), and then she goes to a bandstand and sings the song “Thank You America” for the crowd at the Army base.
Nice Girls Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mail Delivery” to “Performing 'Thank You America'”. 15 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Mail Delivery
The story begins with Hector, the postman who is known for being a busybody. He delivers mail to the Dana household, especially for Cora, the maid he secretly loves.
Where:Dana Household
- 2
Introducing the Dana Sisters
The Dana family consists of three sisters: Sylvia, a passionate actress; Nancy, a flirtatious young woman; and Jane, the 'nice girl' who cares for rabbits. Their father, Professor Oliver Dana, is writing a book about diet and is testing it on their pet rabbits.
Where:Dana Household
- 3
Richard Calvert's Arrival
Richard Calvert arrives at the Dana household to observe Professor Dana's work with rabbits. His presence captivates the three sisters, who each attempt to impress him in their own unique ways.
Where:Dana Household
- 4
Musical Gathering
The family comes together for a musical evening, with Jane singing 'Beneath the Lights of Home' accompanied by her family. The atmosphere is filled with joy and music, showcasing their camaraderie.
Where:Dana Household
- 5
Fourth of July Celebration
During the Fourth of July celebration, Professor Dana makes a speech, and the family engages in dancing and singing. Jane performs 'Old Folks at Home', contributing to the festive spirit.
When:Fourth of July Where:Town Square
- 6
Driving to New York
After borrowing Don's car, Jane decides to abandon her 'nice girl' persona and takes Richard to New York instead of the train station. This marks a turning point in her character's journey.
Where:New York
- 7
Playing at Richard's House
At Richard's home, Jane changes into clothes belonging to Richard's sister and plays 'Love at Last' on the piano. This act signifies her attempt to rebel against her persona, although she soon realizes it's all just a game.
Where:Richard Calvert's House
- 8
Returning Home
After rejecting the idea of being someone she isn't, Jane drives back home in Richard's sister's pajamas. Unfortunately, she runs out of gas, causing chaos in the neighborhood as everyone witnesses her predicament.
Where:Near Town
- 9
Facing the Consequences
Back at home, Jane locks herself in her room until her father brings her a telegram from Richard. This moment heightens the tension as she grapples with the rumors surrounding her actions.
Where:Dana Household
- 10
International Benefit Performance
Jane attends a benefit for the International Red Cross and finds out that everyone believes she is engaged to Richard. She unknowingly performs 'Beneath the Lights of Home' amidst the congratulatory atmosphere.
Where:Benefit Venue
Show the other 5 events of Nice Girls Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Confrontation with Don
After the benefit, Jane seeks comfort from Don, who dismisses the engagement rumors. Frustrated, Jane declares she is indeed engaged to Richard, leading to tension between her and Don.
Where:Benefit Venue
- 12
Breaking the Engagement
At the benefit, Jane and Richard confront the misunderstandings surrounding their supposed engagement. They decide to fake a quarrel to dispel the rumors, showcasing their playful yet complex relationship.
Where:Benefit Venue
- 13
Don Enlists
In a significant development, Don enlists in the army, adding pressure to Jane's emotional turmoil. Jane seeks him out to explain the situation and to confront her feelings for him.
Where:Army Base
- 14
Sharing Feelings
During her visit, Don professes his love for Jane, leading to an off-screen kiss. This moment deepens their connection and complicates Jane's feelings towards Richard.
Where:Army Base
- 15
Performing 'Thank You America'
To conclude her emotional journey, Jane sings 'Thank You America' at a bandstand for the crowd at the Army base. This powerful moment highlights her transformation and newfound confidence.
Where:Army Base
Who Are the Main Characters in Nice Girls?
4 characters, among them Jane (Stéfi Celma), Oliver Dana (Noémie Lvovsky) and Don Webb (Baptiste Lecaplain): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Jane (Stéfi Celma)
Played by Stéfi Celma
Jane is depicted as the 'nice girl' of the family, initially constrained by her role and societal expectations. Her character undergoes significant development as she seeks her identity and navigates romantic interests, ultimately striving for authenticity beyond her 'nice' facade.
- 👧🏻 Young adult
- 🎹 Musician
- 💔 Romantic
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Oliver Dana (Noémie Lvovsky)
Played by Noémie Lvovsky
Professor Oliver Dana serves as a caring father figure who is more focused on his work and aspirations than on his daughters' personal lives. His quest for academic success contrasts with the vibrant personalities of his daughters, highlighting the generational gap in ideals.
- 👨🏫 Father
- 📚 Academic
- 🎓 Aspirational
- DW
Don Webb (Baptiste Lecaplain)
Played by Baptiste Lecaplain
Don is Jane's boyfriend, portrayed as a passionate car enthusiast with a straightforward attitude. He represents the societal expectations of masculinity but also struggles with his feelings for Jane, particularly when her engagement with Richard is assumed.
- 🚗 Car lover
- 👨✈️ Soldier
- ❤️ Lovesick
- RC
Richard Calvert (Lucien Jean-Baptiste)
Played by Lucien Jean-Baptiste
Richard is a charming visitor who quickly captures the attention of the Dana sisters. His presence poses a challenge to Jane's identity, forcing her to balance her desire for romance with the need to stay true to herself.
- 👨🎤 Charismatic
- 💼 Engagement
- 🎹 Pianist
Where and When Is Nice Girls Set?
Nice Girls is set in New York and Dana household (Early 20th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Early 20th Century
The movie is set in a time when societal norms were shifting, particularly regarding gender roles and personal freedom. This period is characterized by traditional family values, but also a growing sense of independence among young women, as reflected in Jane's journey.
Where
New York, Dana household
The Dana household serves as the primary setting of the story, embodying a warm family atmosphere filled with musical performances and lively interactions among the sisters. New York represents a vibrant backdrop where Jane's transformation occurs, showcasing the contrast between her sheltered life and the excitement of the city.
- 🏡 Home
- 🌆 City
What Are the Themes of Nice Girls?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Love and Musical Expression.
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01
Identity
The theme of identity plays a central role as Jane struggles between being perceived as the 'nice girl' and her desire to explore her individuality. As she navigates her relationships and societal expectations, she learns to reconcile her true self with the roles imposed upon her.
-
02
Love
Romantic entanglements drive much of the plot, especially Jane's relationships with Don and Richard. The evolving dynamics illustrate the complexities of love and the importance of genuine connection over societal expectations.
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03
Musical Expression
Music functions as a primary means of expression for the characters, particularly Jane. Her performances convey her emotional journey, highlighting how art can reflect personal struggles and aspirations in a transforming society.
How Does Nice Girls End?
The last act of Nice Girls and what it means, in 227 words. The ending lands as happy. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
The film “Nice Girls” ends on a somber yet hopeful note. After uncovering a complex web of crime and conspiracy involving a bomb plot aimed at a climate activist named Sima, the protagonist women succeed in preventing disaster by rescuing Sima just in time. The bomb, which was hidden in a car, was meant to kill her as part of a larger scheme orchestrated by a corrupt figure named Valence, who wanted her dead to ensure her climate message wouldn’t threaten his interests. In the chaos, the women manage to capture the sniper Kim and arrest Valence, although the bomb itself remains in the car. In a tense and daring move, they drive the vehicle into the sea to prevent any collateral damage, just as Bat—who was trying to disable the bomb—realizes he hasn’t done so. This leads to a dramatic climax where everyone jumps into the water for safety. Ultimately, the film reveals that Ludo, the missing colleague, was loved and important, and his death was a tragic loss. The funeral scene shows everyone coming together, highlighting the importance of friendship and remembrance. As the story closes, regular life resumes with Leo and Melanie heading off happily along the Riviera, symbolizing a new beginning built on friendship and shared experiences. The movie leaves viewers with a bittersweet sense of loss balanced by hope for the future.
What Kind of Film Is Nice Girls?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A charming and lighthearted musical comedy that follows a young woman's playful rebellion against social expectations, filled with romantic misunderstandings and a nostalgic, feel-good atmosphere.
- romantic
- whimsical
- nostalgic
- charming
- youthful
- playful
- romantic comedy
- coming of age
- identity
- family
Quiz
How well do you remember Nice Girls? Test yourself on the story.
