What Is The Pretty One About?
The premise of The Pretty One in 292 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet suburb where art and routine blend, identical twins share more than looks; they embody opposite worlds. Laurel lives in the shadow of her sister, tending to an aging father and his new fiancée while quietly nurturing a shy, uncertain self. Across the city, Audrey moves through a glossy existence of confident charm, high‑powered careers, and effortless style. Their daily contrast is amplified by the spaces they inhabit—the cramped studio filled with unfinished canvases versus the sleek offices that pulse with ambition.
On the day they both turn a year older, a birthday celebration becomes the catalyst for something unanticipated. A simple invitation for Laurel to join Audrey on a trip to the city offers her a chance to step beyond the familiar walls of home. The prospect of swapping wardrobes, attitudes, and even a haircut teases the possibility of a fresh identity, hinting at a latent yearning to break free from the roles they have long accepted.
The film’s tone balances gentle humor with an undercurrent of poignancy, inviting viewers into a world where sisterly bonds are both a safety net and a source of quiet tension. As Laurel contemplates stepping into her sister’s confident façade, she encounters new acquaintances—a charismatic tenant named Basel and a savvy colleague Claudia—who each reflect facets of the life she has only glimpsed. Their presence subtly underscores the allure of reinvention while reminding her of the authenticity she has kept hidden.
Through an intimate, character‑driven lens, the story explores themes of self‑discovery, the fluidity of identity, and the delicate dance between admiration and envy. It promises a journey where the twins’ intersecting paths may rewrite expectations, offering a heartfelt meditation on what it means to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
What Happens in The Pretty One?
The complete story of The Pretty One, from the first scene to the last, in 544 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Identical twins Laurel and Audrey (Zoe Kazan) may look alike, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Audrey embodies sophistication and confidence, while Laurel tends to be shy and socially awkward. This contrast is amplified by their life choices: Audrey enjoys a life of success and luxury, whereas Laurel stays home to support their widowed father (John Carroll Lynch) and his new fiancée, helping him recreate famous paintings.
At their birthday celebration, Audrey convinces Laurel to join her in the city, setting off a series of events that will irrevocably change their lives. In anticipation of this new adventure, Laurel undergoes a drastic haircut, mirroring her sister’s look. As they begin their journey together, tragedy strikes when they are involved in a horrific car accident. When Laurel awakens in the hospital, she suffers from post-traumatic amnesia and is initially oblivious to her true identity. It is only later that she learns of Audrey’s tragic death.
The morning of what was intended to be Laurel’s funeral becomes an emotional turning point, prompting Laurel to adopt Audrey’s identity. Embracing this new persona, she returns to the city, stepping into her sister’s previous role as a real estate agent. Here, she meets Basel (Jake M. Johnson), Audrey’s former tenant, who is baffled by this new, warmer version of Audrey, in stark contrast to the distant person he once knew.
As Laurel navigates life in her sister’s shoes, she discovers that Audrey had been entangled in a troubled relationship with Charles (Ron Livingston) prior to the accident. Her growing connection with Basel and her sister’s colleague, Claudia (Frankie Shaw), sparks a journey of self-discovery, but it simultaneously raises doubts about her identity and true motives. The budding romance between Laurel and Basel flourishes, but an innocent error causes a ripple effect that leads to unforeseen consequences.
In a dramatic twist, Laurel unintentionally introduces Charles to her boss, Edith, failing to mention he is her ex. This connection leads to dire repercussions as Laurel is promptly fired from her job. Amidst this chaos, Basel proposes to Laurel, denoting he has had feelings for her since they first met. However, Laurel realizes that his affections are tied to her portrayal of Audrey, rather than her genuine self, which leads her to confess the truth. This revelation shatters their budding romance, leaving Basel heartbroken and Laurel in turmoil over her web of lies.
Returning home, Laurel finds solace in her father’s understanding and support as she reveals the truth of her impersonation. Although this revelation shocks him, he finds relief in knowing that the sisterly bond remains intact. As another funeral is held — this time for Audrey — it becomes a poignant reflection on the life Laurel has been leading.
Encouraged by Claudia’s wisdom and her father’s steadfast support, Laurel begins to confront her insecurities about being the lesser sister. With her own paintings representing her authentic self, she musters the courage to return to the city and confront her feelings for Basel. Fortunately, upon her return, she discovers that he still harbors feelings for her, despite the earlier heartbreak.
In a heartwarming climax, Laurel’s honesty and commitment eventually win Basel back, culminating in a tender kiss that opens the door to a future filled with hope and rekindled love.
The Pretty One Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Twins' Birthday Celebration” to “Rekindling Love”. 8 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Twins' Birthday Celebration
Identical twins Laurel and Audrey celebrate their birthday, marking the start of their journey. Audrey, the more confident sibling, encourages Laurel to join her in the city, highlighting their contrasting personalities.
- 2
Laurel's Transformation
In anticipation of a new adventure with Audrey, Laurel makes a drastic change by getting a haircut that mirrors her sister's stylish look. This physical transformation symbolizes her desire to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a more adventurous life.
- 3
Car Accident
The twins' trip takes a tragic turn when they are involved in a horrific car accident. Laurel awakens in the hospital suffering from post-traumatic amnesia, completely unaware that her sister has died in the crash.
Where:Hospital
- 4
Laurel Learns the Truth
As Laurel begins to recover, she slowly learns the heartbreaking truth about Audrey's death. This revelation shatters her world, leaving her to grapple with the loss of her sister and her own sense of identity.
Where:Hospital
- 5
Adopting Audrey's Identity
On what was supposed to be Laurel's funeral, she decides to adopt Audrey's identity as a means to cope with the loss. She returns to the city, stepping into her sister's role as a successful real estate agent, hoping to find solace in her sister's life.
Where:City
- 6
Meeting Basel
In the city, Laurel meets Basel, Audrey's former tenant, who is intrigued by this new, warmer version of Audrey. Their interaction rekindles feelings of warmth and connection that was absent in Audrey's former demeanor.
Where:Real Estate Office
- 7
Uncovering Audrey's Past
As Laurel immerses herself in her sister's life, she discovers Audrey’s troubled relationship with Charles. This revelation deepens her understanding of her identity and the complexities of the life she has assumed.
Where:City
- 8
The Ripple Effect
Laurel's innocent mistake of introducing Charles to her boss, Edith, leads to unforeseen consequences. This fateful encounter results in her losing her job, adding to the chaos of her new life as Audrey.
Where:Workplace
- 9
Basel's Proposal
Amidst the tumult, Basel proposes to Laurel, expressing feelings that he has held since they first met. However, Laurel grapples with the reality that Basel's affection is tied to her adoption of Audrey’s identity.
- 10
Laurel's Confession
Realizing the fragility of her constructed identity, Laurel confesses the truth about her impersonation to Basel. This revelation devastates their budding romance, leaving Laurel feeling lost and guilt-ridden.
Show the other 5 events of The Pretty One Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Revealing the Truth to Her Father
Laurel returns home to confront her father about her deception. Although shocked, her father's support provides Laurel with the comfort she desperately needs, affirming their familial bond.
Where:Home
- 12
Another Funeral
A second funeral is held for Audrey, symbolizing Laurel's profound reflection on the impact of her sister's life. This moment serves as both a tribute to Audrey and a moment of reckoning for Laurel.
- 13
Facing Insecurities
Encouraged by her father's love and Claudia's advice, Laurel begins to confront her insecurities about being perceived as the lesser sister. Through her art, she starts to reconnect with her authentic self.
- 14
Return to the City
Emboldened by her personal growth, Laurel decides to return to the city to confront her feelings for Basel. This journey marks a pivotal moment in her quest for self-discovery and genuine love.
Where:City
- 15
Rekindling Love
Upon her return, Laurel learns that Basel still has feelings for her, despite their earlier heartbreak. The film culminates in a heartfelt moment where they share a kiss, symbolizing hope and the beginning of a new chapter together.
Who Are the Main Characters in The Pretty One?
5 characters, among them Laurel, Audrey and Basel: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Laurel
Played by Zoe Kazan
Laurel is the shy and socially awkward twin who undergoes a transformative journey after her sister Audrey's death. Struggling with her identity, she initially hides behind Audrey's persona to navigate life but ultimately seeks to embrace her own individuality. Her character represents resilience as she confronts her insecurities and learns to express herself authentically.
- 🌱 Growth
- ✨ Transformation
- 😔 Insecurity
- A
Audrey
Audrey embodies sophistication and success, serving as a stark contrast to Laurel's character. Her life is characterized by confidence and a troubled romance that reveals her complexity. Although she is gone, her impact on Laurel greatly shapes the narrative, highlighting the struggle between expectations and individuality.
- 🌟 Success
- 💔 Romance
- 👸 Confidence
-
Basel
Played by Jake M. Johnson
Basel is Audrey's former tenant who becomes romantically involved with Laurel after her impersonation of Audrey. He is initially confused by Laurel’s change in demeanor but finds warmth in her new persona. His feelings raise questions about authenticity and the nature of love, as he grapples with his attraction to who he believes is Audrey.
- 💖 Love
- 🤷♂️ Confusion
- 🌟 Warmth
-
Charles
Played by Ron Livingston
Charles is Audrey's ex-boyfriend, whose troubled relationship with her adds depth to the story. His presence serves as a reminder of Audrey's complexities and the unintended consequences of Laurel's impersonation. His character adds tension and drama as Laurel navigates her feelings and the fallout from her choices.
- 💔 Heartbreak
- 🙈 Drama
- 🤔 Complexity
-
Claudia
Played by Frankie Shaw
Claudia is a colleague of Audrey's who becomes an important figure in Laurel's journey towards self-discovery. She provides wisdom and support, encouraging Laurel to confront her insecurities and embrace her true self. Claudia's character highlights the importance of female friendships in the process of personal growth.
- 🤝 Friendship
- ✨ Support
- 🌈 Encouragement
Where and When Is The Pretty One Set?
The Pretty One is set in City and Home. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie does not specify a particular time period, but it takes place in a contemporary setting where themes of identity and personal growth resonate with modern audiences. This context allows characters to navigate relationships and societal expectations that are relatable today.
Where
City, Home
The city represents the bustling urban life where Laurel's twin sister Audrey thrived as a successful real estate agent. It is a place of opportunity, luxury, and excitement, in stark contrast to the quiet life at home. Home reflects a more subdued existence filled with familial duties, where Laurel supports their widowed father and engages in creative pursuits like painting.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏡 Home
What Are the Themes of The Pretty One?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Love and Loss and Self-Expression.
-
01
Identity
The exploration of identity is central to the narrative as Laurel adopts her sister's persona following Audrey's death. This theme delves into the complexity of self-perception and the impact of familial ties on personal identity. Laurel's journey becomes one of self-discovery, addressing the struggle to be true to herself while navigating the expectations set by her sister's life.
-
02
Love and Loss
The film intricately weaves the themes of love and loss, highlighting how tragedy can shift relationships and personal desires. Laurel experiences profound loss but also discovers the depths of love through her connection with Basel and the sacrifices inherent in these feelings. The interplay of these emotions is a driving force behind Laurel's actions and decisions throughout the story.
-
03
Self-Expression
Self-expression emerges as a critical theme as Laurel explores her identity through painting. The act of creating art becomes a means for her to reconnect with her true self. This theme underscores the importance of being authentic and finding one's voice amidst the chaos of life and personal tragedy.
What Kind of Film Is The Pretty One?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A poignant and heartfelt drama about self-discovery and starting over after a tragic loss, blending moments of melancholy with an ultimately hopeful and tender journey of finding one's true identity.
- melancholic
- hopeful
- introspective
- heartfelt
- bittersweet
- tender
- identity crisis
- sibling relationships
- self-discovery
- grief and loss
Content notes: major character death, car accident.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Pretty One? Test yourself on the story.
