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The Proposal Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Proposal (2009). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Margaret Tate, portrayed by Sandra Bullock, is a Canadian editor-in-chief at a prestigious book publishing company in New York City. Regarded as a demanding and often disliked figure among her staff due to her assertive nature, she finds herself in hot water after firing a fellow editor named Bob for allegedly failing to secure a crucial interview with Oprah. However, Bob confronts her publicly, accusing her of being a “poisonous personality” and suggesting that her isolationist tendencies will lead to her ultimate loneliness.

Everything takes a turn when Margaret faces the possibility of deportation back to Canada because she’s violated her visa regulations by traveling to Frankfurt during her application process. Complicating matters further, she neglected to submit important paperwork on time, which means she cannot work from the United States or reapply for another visa for one year. Her boss, Bergen, the chairman of the board, considers rehiring Bob, the very individual Margaret dismissed, should she be forced to leave.

Desperate to maintain her career and lifestyle, Margaret coerces her beleaguered assistant, Andrew Paxton, played by Ryan Reynolds, into a marriage of convenience to secure a green card. Andrew, who dreams of becoming an editor himself, reluctantly agrees to the scheme, especially after Margaret promises to help him achieve his career goals. In stark contrast to Margaret’s regimented life, Andrew exudes a more easy-going attitude, which creates tension between them. He often navigates a rigid work environment under her well-defined expectations, which includes making her morning coffee.

As the plot unfolds, they encounter a U.S. immigration agent, Mr. Gilbertson, who raises suspicions about their arrangement, warning them that they must convincingly simulate a genuine marriage. To solidify their narrative, they travel to Sitka, Alaska, Andrew’s hometown, where Margaret meets his affluent family, including his mother Grace and grandmother, affectionately known as “Gammy.” This trip proves to be eye-opening for Margaret, as she discovers Andrew’s family ties go deeper than she anticipated, with a legacy of wealth and strong familial connections.

During a lively welcome home party, tensions between Andrew and his father, Joe, surface, particularly over Andrew’s choice in marrying his boss. Nevertheless, under pressure from his family, Andrew announces their engagement. However, the dynamics shift as Margaret connects with Andrew’s mother and grandmother, who express a keen interest in her future with Andrew. After realizing how close-knit Andrew’s family is, Margaret becomes overwhelmed and confides in him about her own troubled past, having lost her parents at a young age and long feeling isolated from familial love.

As their sham engagement progresses, Gilbertson offers them a way out, suggesting they confess their marriage is a setup to avoid legal consequences. However, they both stand firm in their decision to pretend their love is real. Eventually, they are persuaded to marry during their visit, and in the heat of the moment, Margaret’s emotional struggles come to light when she nearly falls overboard during a boat ride. Luckily, Andrew saves her, solidifying their bond even further.

In an unexpected twist, during the wedding ceremony, Margaret brutally honest about the nature of their relationship, only for Gilbertson to remind her that she has only a day left in the States before facing deportation. After a heartfelt farewell filled with words of encouragement and praise for Andrew’s manuscript, she departs, leaving behind a promise of her support in his future endeavors.

In a climactic series of events, Andrew races to find Margaret, navigating familial conflicts and his own feelings. Ultimately, he makes a bold move by professing his love for her publicly at her workplace, solidifying their commitment to each other. Their story wraps up at Gilbertson’s office, where they provide proof of their love, fully committed to each other after all the trials and tribulations. Andrew and Margaret leave behind the doubts, embracing a future built not on convenience, but on genuine affection.

The Proposal Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of The Proposal (2009) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Margaret Fires Bob

Margaret Tate, the editor-in-chief, fires fellow editor Bob for not securing an interview with Oprah, despite Bob having made the effort to contact the client. In a confrontational moment, Bob criticizes Margaret's toxic personality, foreshadowing her difficult relationships at work.

New York City Publishing Company

Threat of Deportation

Margaret faces deportation to Canada due to a visa violation after traveling to Frankfurt during her application process. This unexpected legal trouble forces her to consider drastic measures to maintain her position and life in New York.

Coercing Andrew into Marriage

To avoid deportation, Margaret coerces her assistant, Andrew Paxton, into a sham marriage so that she can obtain a green card. She argues that her deportation would ruin his dream of becoming an editor, pressuring him to acquiesce to her demands.

New York City

The Daily Grind

Margaret's strict nature is highlighted as she makes Andrew fetch her coffee every morning, reflecting the power dynamics in their working relationship. Andrew's easier-going personality contrasts sharply with Margaret's intense drive and ambition.

Office, New York City

Immigration Investigation

Immigration agent Mr. Gilbertson suspects that Margaret and Andrew are engaged in a fraudulent marriage to avoid deportation. He warns them that inconsistent answers during the investigation could lead to serious consequences for both of them.

New York City

Trip to Sitka, Alaska

Margaret travels to Sitka, Alaska, to meet Andrew's wealthy family after deciding to go along with the sham wedding. This trip becomes a pivotal moment for both characters as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics and personal history.

Sitka, Alaska

Welcome Home Party

At a welcome home party, tensions rise when Andrew confronts his father over his disapproval of Andrew's relationship with Margaret. During this confrontation, Andrew publicly announces their engagement, causing a stir among family members.

Family Home, Sitka

Encounter with Gertrude

Margaret learns from Gertrude, Andrew's ex-girlfriend, that Andrew had once planned to propose to her but that she rejected him. This revelation complicates Margaret's understanding of Andrew and his past, deepening her emotional connection.

Sitka, Alaska

Family Bonds and Confessions

As the family pressures Andrew and Margaret to commit to marriage, Margaret reflects on her own tragic past, having lost her parents at a young age. This emotional sharing brings her closer to Andrew, forcing them to confront their fears about love and family.

Sitka, Alaska

Gilbertson's Ultimatum

Gilbertson meets with Andrew's father Joe and presents an option for Margaret to avoid deportation by admitting their engagement is fake. The couple declines, reinforcing their commitment to convince everyone of their love.

Sitka, Alaska

The Boating Incident

After an emotionally charged day, Margaret and Andrew take a boat ride where she expresses her feeling of isolation. An accident on the boat nearly leads to a tragic fall, but Andrew manages to save her, reinforcing their bond.

Sitka, Alaska

Wedding Ceremony and Confession

At what was planned to be their wedding, Margaret stands up in front of family and guests to confess the truth about their relationship. Despite the impending consequences, they uphold their collective false narrative of love to avoid deportation.

Family Home, Sitka

Andrew's Decision to Chase Margaret

After realizing that Margaret has left the family's home, Andrew finds motivation and courage to pursue her, fueled by his love. This pursuit eventually leads him to New York City, where he plans to declare his feelings publicly.

Sitka, Alaska

Public Declaration of Love

In a dramatic turn, Andrew rushes to New York to profess his love for Margaret in front of her colleagues. This public display signifies a sincere commitment, as they embrace and confirm their feelings for each other.

Publishing Company, New York City

Final Interview with Gilbertson

When they declare their love, Gilbertson interviews them with increasingly absurd questions, testing the authenticity of their relationship. This comedic moment solidifies the couple's determination to be together, despite all odds.

New York City

The Proposal Characters

Explore all characters from The Proposal (2009). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock)

Margaret is a driven, ambitious editor-in-chief whose strict, demanding nature makes her unliked by her colleagues. Her character evolves as she confronts her past loneliness and learns the value of family and love.

💼 Career 💔 Loneliness 🌎 Immigration

Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds)

Andrew is laid-back and somewhat conflicted about his ambitions compared to his family's expectations. As he navigates his relationship with Margaret, he discovers the importance of love and family, revealing his true desires.

📚 Aspiration 💖 Romance 👨‍👩‍👦 Family

The Proposal Settings

Learn where and when The Proposal (2009) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The film presents a contemporary setting, reflecting modern issues such as immigration and the challenges of work-life balance. Characters deal with current societal expectations, especially in working environments and relationships, providing a relatable narrative for today's audience.

Location

New York City, Sitka, Alaska

New York City serves as the backdrop for Margaret's high-stress, corporate life as a book editor, known for its fast pace and competitive publishing scene. In stark contrast, Sitka, Alaska offers a serene, close-knit community where Andrew's family resides, emphasizing themes of family and belonging amidst natural beauty.

🏙️ City 🏞️ Nature

The Proposal Themes

Discover the main themes in The Proposal (2009). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💔

Love

At its core, the movie explores the complexities of love, from initially selfish motivations to genuine emotional connections. Margaret and Andrew's relationship evolves from a convenience to a heartfelt bond, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and family support.

🎭

Identity

Throughout the movie, characters grapple with their personal identities and how they are perceived by others. Margaret's struggle with isolation and Andrew's aspirations reflect deeper themes of self-discovery and the acceptance of one's background.

🏆

Ambition

The desire to succeed is a driving force for both Margaret and Andrew. Margaret's fierce ambition pushes her to make sacrifices, revealing the cost of professional success. Meanwhile, Andrew's journey unfolds as he seeks a balance between his dreams and personal happiness.

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