What Is Someone Like You About?
The premise of Someone Like You in 311 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a tender exploration of memory, loss, and the unexpected paths love can take, Dawson Gage is a contemplative architect whose life is upended by a profound loss. For years, his closest companion has been his vibrant best friend, a woman whose presence shaped the rhythm of his adult world. When she is suddenly gone, Dawson is left to navigate a grief that feels both familiar and entirely uncharted, searching for ways to honor a bond that once defined him.
The revelation that his late friend had a twin sister—a woman he never knew existed—opens a door Dawson feels compelled to walk through. What begins as a quiet quest to understand the person he lost gradually transforms into something far more personal and unexpected. As he traces the threads of her hidden history, Dawson finds himself drawn into the orbit of Andi Allen, a stranger whose familiar face carries echoes of someone he thought he knew completely. With each passing conversation, the lines between remembrance and new beginnings grow beautifully blurred.
Set against warm, sunlit landscapes and moments of quiet reflection, the film weaves a gentle meditation on how love can linger in unexpected forms. Dawson’s journey is less about uncovering secrets and more about learning to hold space for two emotional truths at once: the deep affection he carried for his friend, and the stirring of something new that catches him entirely by surprise. Every shared memory and every careful step forward becomes part of a delicate dance between honoring the past and embracing what lies ahead.
Emotionally rich and quietly moving, the story immerses viewers in a world where grief and hope walk hand in hand. Dawson’s introspective nature and the understated poetry of his surroundings create an atmosphere of intimate discovery, inviting audiences to consider how the people we lose continue to shape the connections we never anticipated.
What Happens in Someone Like You?
The complete story of Someone Like You, from the first scene to the last, in 622 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Successful architect Dawson Gage shares a deep bond with his best friend, London Quinn, a friendship that began during their senior field trip to the zoo and has flourished for over a decade. Despite their strong connection, the relationship has remained strictly platonic, largely due to London’s insistence. After the unexpected loss of his parents at the age of 19, Dawson found solace in the Quinn family, who treated him like one of their own.
When London reveals that she is a match to donate a kidney to her mother, Louise Quinn, she also hints that she may be open to more than just friendship as she has recently become single. During a playful moment of flirting, London inadvertently walks backward into traffic and is struck by a car, succumbing to her injuries shortly after. Following her funeral, Dawson learns from London’s distraught parents that she was conceived through IVF and has a twin sibling. Instinctively, he feels compelled to find out more about this sibling.
As the narrative unfolds, we meet Andi Allen, the twin who is celebrating her birthday with her parents, Dr. Jim Allen and Dr. Jenny Allen. They express regret over keeping Andi’s origins a secret, especially as her boyfriend Matt hints at a marriage proposal, intensifying their urgency to come to terms with their family’s secrets. Dawson, after conducting some research, learns from the doctor involved in the IVF process that the embryo ended up with the Allens in Nashville, leading him to a recent photo of Andi at the Nashville Zoo.
Dawson spends several days observing Andi at work, struggling with how to approach her. She eventually notes to Matt that a stranger has been watching her. Gathering his courage, Dawson introduces himself to Andi, sharing information about her biological sister and handing her his card before departing. As Andi begins to confront her parents about her origins, she realizes she was conceived from an embryo that was not used by her biological parents and subsequently carried to term by Jenny.
Feeling betrayed, Andi decides to seek out her biological parents, leading to a fortuitous encounter between her and Dawson, who is taken aback by her striking resemblance to London. The Quinns invite them for dinner, where Andi discovers a plethora of photos depicting her sister throughout her life, inspiring a sense of loss and curiosity. Dawson takes it upon himself to show Andi the significant places in London’s life, reminiscing about their teenage years and discussing various memories tied to their old high school and shared hangouts, including jet-skiing at Smith Lake.
While they bond over their shared experiences with London, their relationship begins to evolve. Andi reveals her passion for singing, a contrast to London’s love for dancing, as Dawson acknowledges his past feelings for London while stating their relationship never developed into romance. Conversations with Louise highlight her hopes for Dawson and London as a couple, further complicating Andi’s emotional landscape.
As the impending kidney transplant surgery approaches, Dawson reveals his feelings for Andi, culminating in a heartfelt kiss. Post-surgery, Dawson encourages Andi to return to her original family, emphasizing the importance of familial ties even amidst her feelings of betrayal. The couple says their bittersweet goodbyes, with Andi assuring him that he will always hold a special place in her heart.
In a twist of fate, Dawson eventually finds himself at the zoo again, announcing his plan to relocate to Nashville as his architectural firm sets up a new office there. He asks Andi to show him around, expressing a desire to integrate into her life, culminating in a beautiful moment where they both profess their love for each other and share another kiss, signaling the beginning of their new chapter together.
Someone Like You Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “The Beginning of a Friendship” to “A Reunion at the Zoo”. 6 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
The Beginning of a Friendship
Dawson Gage and London Quinn become best friends during their senior field trip to the zoo. Their friendship grows over the next decade, although London insists it remains platonic despite their close bond.
Where:Zoo
- 2
London's Family Decision
London informs Dawson that she has been identified as a match to donate a kidney to her mother, Louise. During this conversation, she hints that she might be available for a romantic relationship since she is single again.
- 3
A Tragic Accident
While playfully flirting with Dawson, London is tragically hit by a car. This accident leads to her succumbing to her injuries, leaving Dawson heartbroken and mourning the sudden loss of his closest friend.
- 4
Discovery of a Secret
After London's funeral, Dawson learns from her parents that she was conceived through IVF and has a twin sibling that he didn’t know about. This revelation drives him to seek out London's biological sister.
- 5
Andi's Birthday
At Andi Allen's birthday party, her parents express regret for never telling her about her origins. As Andi's boyfriend Matt hints at proposing, they feel compelled to reveal the truth to her soon.
- 6
Investigating the Past
Dawson discovers through the in-vitro doctor that London's embryo was originally with Jim and Jenny Allen in Nashville. He finds a photograph of Andi, who works at the same zoo where he once shared special moments with London.
Where:Nashville
- 7
First Encounter with Andi
Dawson visits the zoo to observe Andi in her work environment. Unsure of how to approach her, he spends the whole day sketching and observing, unaware that Andi has noticed him watching from afar.
Where:Zoo
- 8
The Bold Introduction
After gathering his courage, Dawson finally approaches Andi, revealing that he has information about her biological sister, London. He gives her his card before leaving, planting the seed for their future connection.
- 9
Andi's Quest for Truth
Andi confronts her parents and learns she was born from an in-vitro fertilized egg that her biological parents could not use. This revelation infuriates her, and she decides to travel to Birmingham to meet her biological parents.
Where:Birmingham
- 10
Growing Bonds
Andi, after discussing her origins with Dawson, meets with his friends and family including London's parents. They share stories, and Andi realizes how closely she resembles London while Dawson reflects on what could have been.
Show the other 4 events of Someone Like You Hide the last 4 events
- 11
A Day at Smith Lake
Dawson takes Andi to Smith Lake, their favorite hangout, where they enjoy jet-skiing. During their time together, Dawson opens up about his feelings for London, hinting at his unfulfilled love while comparing Andi and London’s similarities and differences.
Where:Smith Lake
- 12
The Emotional Goodbye
As Andi prepares for her kidney donation surgery, Dawson takes the opportunity to show her one of his architectural projects. During this moment, he confesses his love for her, culminating in a kiss that marks a turning point in their relationship.
- 13
A New Chapter
Once Andi recovers, Dawson encourages her to return to her life in Nashville and reconnect with her family. They share heartfelt moments, promising to keep in touch and never forget one another, despite the changes in their lives.
- 14
A Reunion at the Zoo
Sometime later, Dawson arrives at the zoo to find Andi, revealing that he plans to move to Nashville as his architectural firm expands. They express their mutual love for each other, solidifying their bond in a kiss amidst the zoos’ familiar sights.
Where:Zoo
Who Are the Main Characters in Someone Like You?
3 characters, among them Dawson Gage, Andi Allen and Louise Quinn: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- DG
Dawson Gage
Played by Jake Allyn
Dawson is a successful architect haunted by the loss of his best friend, London. His relationship with London was deep and meaningful, yet remained platonic due to her wishes. As he navigates his grief, he discovers Andi and gradually learns to embrace new love while honoring the past.
- 🧑🎨 Architect
- 💔 Grief
- ❤️ Love
- AA
Andi Allen
Played by Sarah Fisher
Andi is a vibrant and talented young woman who grapples with her identity after discovering her biological origins. Initially uncertain about her place in the world, her connection with Dawson helps her develop a sense of belonging. She is a dedicated individual balancing family obligations with her aspirations.
- 🎤 Singer
- 🧬 Identity
- 💕 Connection
-
Louise Quinn
Played by Lynn Collins
Louise is a loving mother, embodying the struggles and hopes of a parent facing health challenges. Her relationship with her daughter London influences the story significantly, especially as she guides Andi in her journey of self-discovery. Louise represents the theme of familial love and the complexities that accompany it.
- 👩👧 Mother
- ❤️ Love
- 🤝 Support
Where and When Is Someone Like You Set?
Someone Like You is set in Birmingham, Nashville and Smith Lake. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of the movie are set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as family dynamics, love, and identity in a world shaped by medical advancements like IVF. This timeframe allows the characters to confront their past while navigating present relationships and emotional journeys.
Where
Birmingham, Nashville, Smith Lake
The movie unfolds in multiple locations, including Birmingham, a vibrant city known for its rich history and culture. Nashville is highlighted as a key setting, recognized as the heart of country music and home to the Nashville Zoo, where pivotal moments occur. Smith Lake serves as a serene escape and nostalgic location for the characters, exemplifying their youthful adventures and a place for reconnecting.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏞️ Nature
- 🦓 Zoo
What Are the Themes of Someone Like You?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Love and Loss and Family.
-
01
Identity
Identity emerges as a central theme as Dawson seeks to understand his connection with London's biological sibling, Andi. The discovery of Andi's origins prompts questions about who we are beyond our genetics and family ties. The relationship dynamics are examined as the characters redefine themselves and their connections.
-
02
Love and Loss
The movie explores the complexities of love and loss through Dawson's feelings for London and his evolving relationship with Andi. Dawson grapples with the grief of losing a close friend while simultaneously opening his heart to a new love. This theme highlights how love can transcend loss and evolve into new beginnings.
-
03
Family
Family plays a pivotal role in the narrative, showcasing the bonds that shape individuals' identities. London's family history and Andi's discovery of her biological roots emphasize the importance of understanding one's family background. The relationships between parents and children are challenged, urging characters to reconcile secrets with truth.
What Kind of Film Is Someone Like You?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A tender, bittersweet romance about grief and unexpected connection, where a grieving man finds love with the identical twin sister he never knew his deceased best friend had.
- bittersweet
- tender
- nostalgic
- hopeful
- romantic
- reflective
- grief and loss
- romance
- family secrets
- identity
Content notes: death of a friend, fatal car accident, grief, family secrets.
Quiz
How well do you remember Someone Like You? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Someone Like You
Stream it on Great American Pure Flix and Hoopla, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
