The Next Best Thing 2000

Abbie's Yoga Class

The film introduces Abbie Reynolds, a yoga instructor based in the bustling city of New York. She is passionate about her work and enjoys a fulfilling life as a single woman. Her world revolves around her career, yoga classes, and her close friendship with Robert.

Unexpected Pregnancy

Abbie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is pregnant. This news shocks her, as it changes her dynamics with those around her, especially with Robert, her best friend. The pregnancy presents new challenges that she must face.

Decision to Raise the Child with Robert

After careful consideration, Abbie decides that she will raise the child alongside Robert. Their deep bond of friendship gives her the confidence that he will support her through this new journey. Together, they contemplate how they will navigate the challenges of parenthood.

Abbie's New Relationship with Ben

As Abbie prepares for motherhood, she begins a romantic relationship with Ben. This new relationship adds complexity to her life, as she seeks balance between her feelings for Ben and her longstanding friendship with Robert. The emotional stakes get higher as her relationships evolve.

Robert's Feelings of Loneliness

With Abbie becoming more entwined in her relationship with Ben, Robert starts to feel isolated. His once close connection with Abbie begins to shift, leaving him grappling with feelings of jealousy and loneliness. He questions his place in Abbie's life as she embraces her new family.

Conflict of Affection

Robert's emotional turmoil grows as he wrestles with his feelings for Abbie. Conflicted between friendship and love, he feels sidelined as Abbie's bond with Ben deepens. This conflict forces him to confront his own desires and his fears of being a 'second choice'.

Abbie's Struggles as a New Mother

As she embraces motherhood, Abbie finds herself juggling her responsibilities while maintaining her connection with Robert. She faces the challenge of creating a traditional family unit with Ben while trying to keep her friendship with Robert intact. Abbie wrestles with her dual role as a mother and a friend.

Robert Questions His Role

Engulfed in confusion, Robert starts doubting if his love for Abbie will ever be reciprocated in the way he hopes. His inner dialogue reveals his struggle with self-identity and the societal expectations tied to his feelings. He searches for answers about where he fits into Abbie's new family dynamic.

Abbie's Dilemma

Abbie finds herself in a constant emotional tug-of-war between her responsibilities to her child and her desire for a conventional relationship with Ben. She values her longstanding bond with Robert, but her emerging family dynamics complicate her feelings. The pressure to conform to what she believes is an ideal family weighs heavily on her.

Confrontation of Feelings

The tensions between Abbie and Robert reach a boiling point as they confront their feelings for one another. This pivotal moment forces both characters to articulate their desires and needs. It becomes clear that their friendship may be irreversibly changed as they navigate these deep emotional waters.