What Is The To Do List About?
The premise of The To Do List in 344 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the summer of 1993, the sleepy town of Boise, Idaho becomes the backdrop for a bright‑eyed valedictorian ready to trade her meticulously planned future for a taste of spontaneity. Brandy Klark has spent years navigating a strict household and a reputation for academic perfection, but the excitement of graduation sparks a yearning to experience the world beyond the confines of her upbringing. With a mischievous “to‑do list” tacked to the wall of her bedroom, she sets out to fill her final months before college with moments that feel truly lived.
Surrounding Brandy are the friends who have witnessed her quiet brilliance and now encourage her daring shift. Wendy and Fiona bring a blend of loyalty and playful rebellion, acting as both confidantes and mirrors for her impulsive experiments. Meanwhile, a charismatic college student, Rusty Waters, linger in her thoughts as the embodiment of the carefree summer she craves. Their tentative interactions hint at the possibility of more than just a fleeting summer fling, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what might happen when ambition meets attraction.
To fund her newfound pursuits, Brandy lands a lifeguard job at the local pool, a setting that juxtaposes the orderly world of textbooks with the unpredictable rhythm of water, sun, and teenage camaraderie. There she meets the laid‑back manager, Willy, whose enigmatic presence adds a touch of mystery to the otherwise sunny atmosphere. The pool becomes a micro‑cosm of the larger world she wishes to explore—where responsibilities clash with desire, and the line between work and play blurs in the heat of summer.
At home, the dynamics shift between her supportive sister Amber and a father whose career as a judge carries an unspoken expectation of propriety. The tension between familial duty and personal freedom fuels Brandy’s internal journey, underscoring a larger coming‑of‑age narrative that balances humor, awkwardness, and heartfelt yearning. The film brims with the nostalgic glow of early‑90s pop culture, delivering a tone that is both light‑hearted and introspective, inviting viewers to wonder how far one will go when a checklist becomes a roadmap for self‑discovery.
What Happens in The To Do List?
The complete story of The To Do List, from the first scene to the last, in 757 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In 1993, a studious and socially awkward teenager from Boise, Idaho, named Brandy Klark, achieves the remarkable honor of being her high school’s valedictorian. Following her graduation ceremony, her best friends, Wendy (Sarah Steele) and Fiona, take her to a vibrant party where she experiences her first intoxicating moment. It is at this party that Brandy shares a fleeting kiss with the charming college student, Rusty Waters (Scott Porter), who has long been the object of her desire. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding occurs as Rusty confuses her for someone else. Devastated by this misperception, Brandy vows to explore the complexities of sexuality over the summer with the ambition to seduce Rusty and successfully complete her “To Do List” before the next academic year begins.
To accomplish this goal, Brandy secures a lifeguard position at the local pool, hoping it will bring her closer to Rusty while also allowing her to study along with Cameron Mitchell. Yet, her naivety and keen desire to impress lead her into a series of challenging scenarios. The laid-back staff, led by the enigmatic Willy, put Brandy through a series of initiation tasks that test her resolve. One such task involves cleaning what she suspects to be a prank involving feces, a misunderstanding inspired by the famous Baby Ruth joke from Caddyshack. To her utter shock, it’s not a prank at all, leading her to seek revenge by playfully pushing Willy into the pool, only to discover his own lack of swimming skills. To make amends, Brandy offers to teach him how to swim, marking the beginning of an unlikely friendship.
While navigating her summer journey, Brandy leans on guidance from her supportive sister Amber (Rachel Bilson), her mother, and her two friends. However, her conservative judge father grows increasingly uneasy about their candid discussions surrounding sexuality. Motivated by her ambitions, Brandy meticulously crafts a “to-do list” detailing various intimate experiences she aspires to explore throughout the summer. As she attempts to garner Rusty’s attention, she finds herself entangled in numerous encounters, particularly with Cameron, who starts developing genuine feelings for her. His excitement quickly turns to heartache when he discovers her list, realizing he has been nothing more than a stepping stone in her quest.
As summer progresses, the dynamics shift dramatically when Willy discovers Brandy and her friends indulging in some after-hours antics with a grunge band at the pool. The fallout is swift; Brandy finds herself sent home and faces the consequences of her actions when Cameron confronts her about her list, leading to a painful emotional breakdown.
In the wake of this turmoil, Brandy’s friends, Wendy and Fiona, visit her only to stumble across her “scorecard” of sexual encounters. Shocked by her behavior and hurt that she prioritized her lust over camaraderie, they confront her, leaving in anger and branding her a “slut” for her lack of loyalty.
Despite these setbacks, Brandy’s connection with Rusty intensifies when they share a moment of rebellion at a rival pool, but their brief joy is cut short when Willy catches them, resulting in Brandy’s termination from her lifeguard position. Undeterred by the setbacks, she asks Rusty out, leading to a date that ultimately fails to meet their expectations, compounded by an awkward situation involving Brandy’s parents.
The tension escalates as Willy arrives at Brandy’s house, lip-locked by Amber’s (Rachel Bilson) charms while unwittingly trying to separate her from Rusty. When Brandy and Rusty return, they are met with Cameron’s rage, triggering a physical confrontation in which Brandy plays mediator.
Through this whirlwind of events, Brandy finally acknowledges the emotional damage her actions have inflicted on those around her, sharing heartfelt apologies and working towards mending her relationships. In a thoughtful gesture, she seeks out Wendy and Fiona for forgiveness, accompanying her heartfelt apologies with a poignant rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” This deeply emotional moment catalyzes their eventual reconciliation, rebuilding the bonds they once shared.
Brandy’s pivotal encounter with Willy at the pool further serves as a turning point when he offers her his job contingent on her return next summer, inspiring Brandy to find purpose amidst the chaos. But as time flies and the seasons shift, Brandy and Cameron find themselves back together at Georgetown University. Their reunion elicits a spectrum of emotions, and when they finally give in to their lingering desires, Brandy realizes one last dream. Just as she revels in this newfound intimacy, the reality of her father’s sudden interruption prompts her to confront the consequences of her choices, reminding her that every action comes with its price.
The To Do List Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Brandy's Valedictorian Honor” to “Confronting Consequences”. 8 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Brandy's Valedictorian Honor
In 1993, Brandy Klark, a studious and socially awkward teenager from Boise, Idaho, proudly graduates as her high school's valedictorian. This significant achievement sets the tone for her transformative summer ahead and highlights her dedication to academics.
When:1993 Where:Boise, Idaho
- 2
The Graduation Party
Following her graduation ceremony, Brandy attends a vibrant party with her best friends, Wendy and Fiona. It's here that she experiences her first kiss with Rusty Waters, a charming college student, igniting her ambitions for romance during the summer.
- 3
A Misunderstanding
After sharing a kiss at the party, Brandy faces a blow when Rusty mistakenly confuses her for someone else. This misunderstanding devastates her and triggers her determination to explore her sexuality and pursue Rusty.
- 4
Brandy's Lifeguard Job
To get closer to Rusty, Brandy takes a lifeguard position at the local pool while also preparing for the upcoming school year. This job not only brings her closer to her crush but also opens doors to various summer experiences.
Where:Local Pool
- 5
Initiation Tasks
Brandy's naïveté leads her into a series of initiation tasks imposed by the laid-back pool staff, led by Willy. One such task involves cleaning a shocking prank that turns out to be genuine, which strains her relationship with Willy.
Where:Local Pool
- 6
An Unlikely Friendship
After pushing Willy into the pool as vengeance, Brandy learns of his inability to swim, which surprisingly leads to the beginning of a friendship. She offers to teach him how to swim, showcasing her kindness despite their rough start.
Where:Local Pool
- 7
Crafting the 'To Do List'
Motivated by her quest for personal experiences, Brandy meticulously creates a 'to-do list' of intimate encounters she wishes to pursue over the summer. This list becomes both a guide and a source of conflict for her relationships.
- 8
Cameron's Feelings
Brandy's close friend Cameron becomes emotionally invested in her during the summer, but his feelings lead to heartache when he discovers her list. This revelation shatters his trust and forces Brandy to confront the implications of her actions.
- 9
After-Hours Antics
While Brandy and her friends indulge in late-night antics with a grunge band at the pool, Willy catches them in the act. The consequences of this escapade thrust Brandy into trouble, resulting in her departure from the job she cherished.
Where:Local Pool
- 10
Breach of Trust with Friends
Brandy's friends Wendy and Fiona discover her scorecard of sexual encounters, leading to an intense confrontation. Hurt by her prioritization of desire over friendship, they accuse her of betrayal and leave her feeling isolated.
Show the other 5 events of The To Do List Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Rebellious Moment with Rusty
Brandy shares a brief moment of rebellion with Rusty at a rival pool, a fleeting escape from her troubles. However, Wilhelm's intervention leads to her termination from her lifeguard job, further complicating her summer.
Where:Rival Pool
- 12
Fighting for Her Relationships
After several conflicts, Brandy realizes the emotional turmoil her actions have caused. She reaches out to her friends and offers heartfelt apologies, including a poignant musical gesture to express her regret.
- 13
A Job Offer from Willy
As summer winds down, Willy surprises Brandy by offering her a lifeguard position for the next summer. This gesture reignites her sense of purpose and hope for the future, positioning her to rebuild her life.
Where:Local Pool
- 14
Reunion at Georgetown University
As seasons change, Brandy finds herself reunited with Cameron at Georgetown University. Their reunion stirs up past emotions, and their connection ultimately leads to a climactic moment of intimacy between them.
Where:Georgetown University
- 15
Confronting Consequences
Just as Brandy embraces her newfound intimacy with Cameron, her father's abrupt interruption forces her to confront the consequences of her choices. This moment serves as a stark reminder that every action carries its price.
Who Are the Main Characters in The To Do List?
4 characters, among them Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza), Willy (Bill Hader) and Cameron Mitchell (Johnny Simmons): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza)
Played by Aubrey Plaza
Brandy is a studious and socially awkward teenager who strives to explore her sexuality during a transformative summer. Her determination is underscored by her ambitious 'To Do List,' leading her into a series of humorous yet poignant situations. Brandy's character evolves as she navigates the complexities of love and friendship, learning the importance of honesty and loyalty.
- 👩🎓 Student
- ❤️ Ambitious
- 😔 Vulnerable
-
Willy (Bill Hader)
Played by Bill Hader
Willy is the laid-back and enigmatic lifeguard who becomes an unexpected mentor for Brandy. His humorous and carefree nature contrasts with her determined personality, leading to a unique friendship that challenges both their perspectives. Through their interactions, Willy's character adds depth to Brandy's journey of self-discovery.
- 😎 Mentor
- 🎉 Fun-loving
- CM
Cameron Mitchell (Johnny Simmons)
Played by Johnny Simmons
Cameron is Brandy's supportive friend who finds himself developing deeper feelings for her. Initially seen as a stepping stone in her quest for romance, his character embodies the themes of unrequited love and emotional turmoil. As Brandy's summer progresses, Cameron's struggles highlight the complexity of friendships intertwined with romantic aspirations.
- 💔 Heartbroken
- 👫 Supportive
-
Fiona (Alia Shawkat)
Played by Alia Shawkat
Fiona is one of Brandy's close friends, providing a mix of support and confrontation throughout her journey. As an ally, she encourages Brandy to explore new experiences, but also holds her accountable when boundaries are crossed, reflecting the nuanced dynamics of teenage friendships. Her loyalty is tested as Brandy's actions create rifts within their group.
- 👭 Loyal
- 🤔 Confrontational
Where and When Is The To Do List Set?
The To Do List is set in Boise, Idaho and Georgetown University (1993). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1993
The movie is set in 1993, a time marked by a shift in cultural attitudes towards sexuality and individuality. This era saw teenagers grappling with identity and relationships amidst societal expectations, reflecting the trials and tribulations that Brandy faces as she explores her burgeoning sexuality and seeks self-discovery.
Where
Boise, Idaho, Georgetown University
Boise, Idaho, is a vibrant city known for its green spaces, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of community. It serves as the backdrop for Brandy's coming-of-age journey, filled with summer adventures and youthful exploration. Georgetown University represents a new chapter in Brandy's life, symbolizing her growth and pursuit of higher education, where she reunites with her past as she navigates adult relationships.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎓 University
What Are the Themes of The To Do List?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Self-Discovery and Friendship.
-
01
Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is a central theme in 'The To Do List,' as Brandy navigates the complexities of relationships and her own desires. Through her ambitious 'To Do List,' she embarks on an exploration of her sexuality, learning valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the impact of her choices. The journey showcases the importance of understanding oneself and the repercussions of pursuing superficial desires.
-
02
Friendship
Friendship plays a critical role in Brandy's story, influencing her decisions and shaping her experiences throughout the summer. Her relationships with Wendy and Fiona highlight the challenges of loyalty and the strain that personal ambitions can place on friendships. Ultimately, Brandy's journey toward reconciliation reveals the strength of true friendship and the need for support in navigating life's tumultuous moments.
What Kind of Film Is The To Do List?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A nostalgic and cringingly awkward teen comedy that captures the humorous growing pains of sexual discovery and friendship, set against a 90s backdrop of rebellion and self-improvement.
- awkward
- nostalgic
- comedic
- embarrassing
- youthful
- rebellious
- coming of age
- sexual experimentation
- friendship
- high school
Content notes: sexual content, public nudity.
Quiz
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