Friends with Benefits (2011)
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Two friends decide to add sex to their relationship while naively believing it won't lead to emotional complications.
The story
Jamie Rellis, an executive headhunter in New York City, recruits Dylan Francis Harper Jr., a Los Angeles art director, to interview for a position with GQ magazine. After a night exploring the city, Dylan moves to New York on a one-year contract, and the two become close platonic friends. One night, they agree that sex should not require emotional attachment and engage in purely casual sex. However, as they continue their trysts, they begin to develop deep feelings for each other, which they both struggle to admit as they attempt to maintain their 'friends with benefits' arrangement.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Jamie Rellis, an executive headhunter in NYC, recruits Dylan Francis Harper Jr., a Los Angeles art director, to interview for a position with GQ magazine. After a night exploring the city, Dylan moves to New York on a one-year contract, and the two become close platonic friends. They eventually agree to have casual sex without emotional attachment. After several trysts, Jamie decides to date again, and they return to being just friends. Jamie begins dating Parker, an oncologist, but he breaks up with her after they consummate their relationship. When Jamie's mother abandons her, Dylan takes her to Los Angeles, where she meets his family. Despite telling his family they are just friends, Jamie and Dylan spend an intimate night together. The next day, Jamie overhears Dylan telling his sister she is too 'damaged' for him to date. Hurt, she ends their friendship. Later, Jamie discovers Dylan might leave GQ early, affecting her commission. After a series of arguments and a moment of clarity involving Dylan's father, who urges him to reconcile with Jamie, Dylan surprises her with a flash mob at Grand Central Station. He confesses his feelings, and they share a passionate kiss, agreeing to go on their first real date.
- First release year
- 2011
- Runtime (minutes)
- 109
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Will Gluck
- Writers
- Will Gluck · screenplay; Keith Merryman · screenplay; David A. Newman · screenplay; Keith Merryman · story; David A. Newman · story; Harley Peyton · story
- Cast and characters
- Justin Timberlake · Dylan Harper; Mila Kunis · Jamie Rellis; Patricia Clarkson · Lorna Rellis; Jenna Elfman · Annie Harper; Bryan Greenberg · Parker; Richard Jenkins · Mr. Harper; Woody Harrelson · Tommy Bollinger; Nolan Gould · Sam Harper
- Genres
- romantic comedy; sex comedy
- Themes
- Love and sex in the age of social networking; Romantic comedy clichés; Caretaking and emotional landscapes; Commitment
- Tone and mood
- Breezy; Speedy; Funny; Manic
- Premise and plot tags
- Friends to Lovers; Casual Sex; Modern Romance
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics, who particularly praised the chemistry between the lead actors. It was a commercial success, grossing $149.5 million worldwide on a $35 million budget.
- Awards and nominations
- People's Choice Awards · Favorite Comedy Movie · Nominated; People's Choice Awards · Favorite Comedic Movie Actress (Kunis) · Nominated
- Production trivia
- The first theatrical trailer attracted over a million views in 48 hours, becoming the second most-watched video of the day.; The film features cameo appearances from Shaun White, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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