What Is Whatever Works About?
The premise of Whatever Works in 262 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling heart of New York City, a weary rhythm of routine surrounds an aging chess instructor who has long traded the excitement of academia for the quiet certainty of his own cynicism. Once a professor of quantum mechanics, Boris now lives a deliberately insulated life, his days punctuated by solitary habits—hand‑washing choruses and a sharply honed disdain for anything that fails to meet his exacting standards. The city’s relentless energy feels like a distant soundtrack to his methodical existence, leaving him poised on the edge of an inevitable boredom.
Everything shifts when a young woman, bright‑eyed and unabashedly untethered, appears on his doorstep one night. Melody is a runaway from a rigid, pastor‑filled world, carrying with her a spontaneous curiosity that clashes wildly with Boris’s orderly universe. Her presence is a splash of color across his grayscale routine, and her simple‑minded optimism begins to tease out the cracks in his self‑imposed fortress. Their unlikely rapport quickly becomes the film’s central dance, a comedy of contrasts where intellect meets instinct, and guarded sarcasm meets unfiltered enthusiasm.
The story unfolds against a backdrop of Manhattan’s eclectic neighborhoods, where art galleries, dog‑walking routes, and cramped apartments serve as both setting and silent commentator on the characters’ evolving perspectives. The tone blends witty banter with a gentle, almost philosophical humor, inviting viewers to consider how unexpected encounters can upend long‑held convictions. As Boris and Melody navigate their differences, the film hints at the larger theme that love and happiness often arrive in forms we never anticipated, urging an embrace of life’s unpredictable currents—whatever works.
What Happens in Whatever Works?
The complete story of Whatever Works, from the first scene to the last, in 566 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Boris Yelnikoff is a cynical, misanthropic chess instructor, once a professor of quantum mechanics at Columbia. After his divorce, he isolates himself, interacting only with a few friends and students, often looking down on anyone who doesn’t match his intellectual standards. A quirky habit of his is frequently washing his hands while cheerfully singing “Happy Birthday.”
One evening, Boris discovers a young woman named Melody on his doorstep, who is somewhat simple-minded and just 21 years old. Though initially reluctant, he helps her and soon hears her story of escaping her strict, fundamentalist upbringing in Mississippi. After some hesitation, he allows her to stay the night, leading to a unique relationship where she develops a crush on him, despite their obvious differences in age and background.
Melody secures a job as a dog walker and meets Perry Singleton, agreeing to a date with him. After returning home, she confides in Boris that she didn’t care for Perry because he seemed to love life too much. This revelation sparks a realization in Boris: he’s fallen in love with her, and they eventually get married.
Fast forward a year, and Melody’s mother, Marietta, finds her, believing that her daughter has been abducted. Marietta reveals her own marital woes, having been left by her husband John after losing money in the stock market. Their lunch together introduces her to Boris, who fails to impress her, causing her to push Melody to consider ending her marriage. During this outing, they meet Boris’s friend, Leo, who takes a shine to Marietta. When Marietta steps away, a young man named Randy Lee James inquires after Melody, and Marietta plots to introduce Randy as a potential suitor for her daughter.
As the weeks go by, Marietta undergoes a transformation, delving into artistic photography and forging an open relationship with Leo and his partner, Morgenstern. However, her attitude toward Boris remains negative, and she continues to manipulate situations to promote a romance between Melody and Randy. In one of these orchestrated meetings, Randy successfully leads Melody to reveal her dissatisfaction with her marriage. This initiates an affair between the two, complicating matters further.
John, still regretful, tries to reunite his family, but as he attends Marietta’s photography opening, he realizes how much she has changed in New York. Struggling with his feelings, he drowns his sorrows in a bar and ends up meeting Howard, a recently divorced gay man, and confronts his own sexuality.
In a heartbreaking confession, Melody reveals to Boris her love for Randy, which sends him into a spiral of despair. In an erratic moment, he jumps out of a window, inadvertently landing on Helena, who suffers injuries. During a visit to her hospital room, he offers to make amends, and she expresses a desire to join him for dinner.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Boris hosts a celebration where each character finds themselves in new romantic entanglements: Marietta with Leo and Morgenstern, John with Howard, Melody with Randy, and Boris accompanied by Helena. The transformation of Melody and her parents is complete; they’ve embraced the liberal values of New York City, shedding their conservative Southern roots. Midnight strikes, and they all share kisses with their respective partners.
In a delightful twist, it becomes clear that only Boris can address the audience directly, imparting his final wisdom: to seek out all the joy life has to offer, succinctly stating, “Whatever Works.”
Whatever Works Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Boris Yelnikoff's Isolation” to “Boris's Final Wisdom”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Boris Yelnikoff's Isolation
After his divorce, Boris, a cynical chess instructor, chooses to isolate himself from society. He spends his days looking down on others who don't meet his intellectual standards while only interacting with a few friends and students.
- 2
Meeting Melody
One evening, Boris finds a young woman named Melody on his doorstep, who has escaped her strict upbringing in Mississippi. Though initially reluctant, he decides to help her and allows her to stay the night.
Where:Boris's doorstep
- 3
Boris's Growing Affection
As they spend time together, Melody develops a crush on Boris, despite their significant differences. Boris begins to realize that he has fallen in love with her as well, shattering his previous cynicism.
- 4
Melody's New Job
Melody finds a job as a dog walker, where she meets Perry Singleton. After a date with him, she confides in Boris that she does not like him because he seems to love life too much.
- 5
Marriage Proposal
After reflecting on her feelings, Boris proposes to Melody, and they get married. This marks a significant shift in Boris's life, showcasing his transformation from a misanthrope to a loving partner.
- 6
Marietta's Search
A year later, Melody's mother, Marietta, arrives, convinced that her daughter has been abducted. During their lunch, Marietta shares her own marital struggles, which further complicates the situation.
When:One year later
- 7
Meeting Leo
During their lunch together, Boris and Marietta meet Boris's friend Leo. Marietta is unimpressed with Boris, and she pushes Melody to rethink her marriage, causing tension between the characters.
- 8
Marietta's Transformation
As the weeks pass, Marietta starts embracing artistic photography and develops an open relationship with Leo and his partner, Morgenstern. This change leads her to attempt to meddle in Melody's love life.
- 9
Randy's Introduction
Marietta plots to introduce a man named Randy to Melody, hoping to manipulate her emotions and ultimately end Melody's marriage. This introduction sets the stage for a new romantic conflict.
- 10
Affair with Randy
After some structured meetings, Randy leads Melody to express her dissatisfaction with her marriage, igniting an affair between the two. This new relationship complicates the already tense surroundings.
Show the other 5 events of Whatever Works Hide the last 5 events
- 11
John's Struggles
Meanwhile, Melody's father John grapples with regret and tries to reunite the family. His attempts lead him to a bar where he meets Howard, prompting a confrontation with his own sexuality and desires.
Where:Local bar
- 12
Melody's Confession
In a moment of vulnerability, Melody confesses her love for Randy to Boris, shattering his world and sending him into a spiral of despair. This confession marks a crucial turning point in their relationship.
- 13
Boris's Reckless Act
Overwhelmed by emotion, Boris jumps out of a window in a moment of erratic behavior. He accidentally lands on a woman named Helena, leading to unforeseen consequences and setting up new dynamics.
- 14
New Year’s Eve Celebration
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Boris throws a celebration where everyone is entangled in new romantic relationships. They all embrace their new lives and shed their conservative pasts, sharing heartfelt kisses as midnight strikes.
When:New Year’s Eve Where:Boris's apartment
- 15
Boris's Final Wisdom
In an unexpected twist, Boris addresses the audience directly, sharing his insights on life. He encourages everyone to seek happiness and embrace life's joys, concluding with the phrase, 'Whatever Works.'
Who Are the Main Characters in Whatever Works?
2 characters, among them Boris Yelnikoff (Larry David) and Melody (Evan Rachel Wood): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Boris Yelnikoff (Larry David)
Played by Larry David
Boris is a highly intellectual yet cynical former professor who navigates the complexities of love and life with a sharp wit. His misanthropic tendencies often mask a deeper longing for connection and understanding, amplifying his character's internal struggles and growth.
- 🧠 Intellectual
- 😒 Cynical
- 💔 Heartbroken
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Melody (Evan Rachel Wood)
Played by Evan Rachel Wood
Melody is a naive yet earnest young woman who evolves throughout the film, transitioning from a simple, sheltered life to embracing the vibrant chaos of New York. Her journey of self-discovery and her relationships highlight her innocence and desire for independence.
- 🌸 Innocent
- 💕 Romantic
- 🌱 Evolving
Where and When Is Whatever Works Set?
Whatever Works is set in New York City and Mississippi (Present Day). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present Day
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, highlighting modern dilemmas such as personal identity, love, and societal expectations. This period is marked by significant cultural shifts, especially regarding relationships and individual freedoms.
Where
New York City, Mississippi
New York City serves as a vibrant backdrop, representing the liberal values and diverse lifestyles that challenge traditional norms. In contrast, Mississippi is depicted as Melody's strict hometown, embodying a conservative environment from which she escapes to find personal freedom and new experiences.
- 🌆 City
- 🌿 Countryside
What Are the Themes of Whatever Works?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Transformation and Self-Discovery.
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01
Love
The film explores various forms of love, juxtaposing Boris's unanticipated affection for Melody against the complexities of their age difference. It also delves into familial love, as Melody's relationship with her parents evolves throughout the narrative, ultimately reflecting the struggle to align personal desires with family expectations.
-
02
Transformation
Character transformation is a central theme, particularly with Melody and her mother, Marietta. As they adapt to life in New York, their personal growth leads to the embrace of new values and lifestyles, contrasting their previously conservative beliefs.
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03
Self-Discovery
The theme of self-discovery is prevalent, especially for Boris and Melody. Their journeys reflect the pursuit of individual happiness, challenging societal norms and expectations, and ultimately finding joy in unexpected relationships.
What Kind of Film Is Whatever Works?
Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical and sarcastic New York comedy that follows a cynical older man and a naive young runaway as their improbable relationship sparks a chain of transformative and joyful events for everyone involved.
- quirky
- cynical
- uplifting
- eccentric
- charming
- sarcastic
- unlikely romance
- generational clash
- personal transformation
- finding happiness
Content notes: suicide attempt.
Quiz
How well do you remember Whatever Works? Test yourself on the story.
