Good on Paper (2021)

Andrea Singer stands alone in the bustling terminal of New York City's airport, her suitcase at her feet, her mind still replaying the sting of yet another failed audition. The fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of travelers rushing to their gates. She checks her boarding pass, her fingers brushing against the crumpled paper, and for a moment, she lets out a frustrated sigh. Her career as a stand-up comedian and aspiring actress has plateaued, and the success of her friend Serrena--someone who's been in Los Angeles just as long as she has--only sharpens the ache of her own stagnation. She's tired, restless, and more than a little bitter.

As she moves toward the gate, her boarding pass slips from her hand, fluttering to the floor. Before she can bend to retrieve it, a man stoops down and picks it up. He's tall, with a slightly awkward posture, wearing thick-rimmed glasses and a bad comb-over that makes him look more like a nerdy accountant than the type of guy who would catch her attention. "Here you go," he says, handing it back with a warm smile. "Dennis Kelley," he introduces himself, extending his hand. Andrea hesitates for a second, then shakes it. "Andrea Singer," she replies, her voice tinged with the exhaustion of the day.

They board the flight together, and as the plane taxis down the runway, Dennis sits beside her. He's polite, attentive, and disarmingly kind. He tells her he's a hedge fund manager, a Yale graduate, and that he owns a house in Beverly Hills. Andrea listens, her skepticism momentarily dulled by the novelty of someone who seems so… normal. "You know," she says, half-joking, "I usually only date guys who are either too broke or too weird. You're neither." Dennis laughs, and for the first time in a while, Andrea feels a flicker of hope.

Back in Los Angeles, their friendship deepens. Dennis is always there--showing up at her comedy shows, inviting her to dinner, showering her with compliments. He's the perfect guy on paper: smart, successful, and attentive. Andrea's best friend, Margot, watches from the sidelines, her skepticism growing with each passing day. "He's too good to be true," Margot warns, her voice laced with concern. "You're not actually falling for this guy, are you?"

Andrea brushes off Margot's warnings. "He's not perfect," she says, "but he's nice. Isn't that enough?" But as the weeks go by, the cracks begin to show. Dennis's stories don't quite add up. He talks about his mother's illness, about his time at Yale, about his high-powered job, but the details are always just out of reach. Andrea starts to notice the inconsistencies--the way he avoids talking about his past, the way he deflects when she asks about his house.

One Friday night, Andrea is on a date with another man when Dennis shows up unexpectedly. "My mom's dying," he says, his voice trembling. "I need you." Andrea, caught off guard, agrees to spend the night with him. They get high, go out, and end up hooking up. The next morning, Dennis asks her to be his girlfriend. Andrea, still reeling from the whirlwind of the night, agrees.

As their relationship progresses, Andrea's doubts grow. Margot's suspicions only deepen. "He's lying," Margot insists. "I can feel it." Andrea tries to ignore the nagging feeling in her gut, but it's impossible to shake. She decides to investigate. She drives to the address Dennis gave her for his house, intending to leave him a gift. But when she arrives, she's met with a surprise. The house is inhabited by a Hispanic woman named Denise, who has no idea who Dennis is. Andrea's heart sinks. She confronts Dennis, demanding answers. "You lied about your house," she accuses. Dennis stammers, then doubles down. "My mom's sick," he says. "She lives with me. I didn't want to worry you." Andrea, desperate to believe him, lets it go.

The tension escalates when Andrea and Dennis visit her cousin Brett and his wife Alli in Santa Monica for the weekend. Brett and Alli are both doctors and Yale alumni, and Andrea, eager to impress, surprises them with a round of golf. But Dennis fakes an injury to get out of it. That evening, Andrea's suspicions reach a boiling point. "What about your diploma?" she asks. "And your bracelet? And your mom?" Dennis, cornered, produces a gaudy ring. "It's a pre-engagement ring," he says, his voice trembling. "I love you."

Andrea is torn. She wants to believe him, but the evidence is mounting. She and Margot decide to take matters into their own hands. They interview Dennis's roommates, who confirm that his claims about his job and education are lies. "He's not a hedge fund manager," one roommate says. "He's not even from Yale." Andrea's world crumbles. She feels betrayed, humiliated, and furious.

In a desperate attempt to get even, Margot gets Dennis drunk. They tie him to a chair, hoping to force a confession. But things spiral out of control. In their drunken state, Andrea and Margot accidentally injure Dennis, slicing open his skin. They cauterize the wound, and Dennis, in a moment of clarity, admits to everything. "I lied," he says, his voice breaking. "I'm sorry." But the damage is done. Dennis walks out, vowing never to see them again.

The fallout is swift. Dennis takes Andrea to court for kidnapping him. The courtroom is tense, the air thick with anger and regret. Andrea is given a court-mandated restraining order to stay away from Dennis. She's more than happy to oblige. Margot, meanwhile, seems to be dating Dennis's old roommate. As for Dennis, he flees town, his whereabouts unknown.

Andrea processes the experience through her stand-up comedy, using humor to cope with the trauma of the abusive and deceptive relationship. She puts up a billboard of Dennis on Sunset Boulevard, telling the world that he's a liar and that he didn't go to Yale. The film ends on a note of empowerment and recovery for Andrea, highlighting her resilience and growth after the ordeal.

Andrea Singer stands on stage, her microphone in hand, her voice steady and strong. "So, I dated a guy who was perfect on paper," she says, her eyes scanning the audience. "Turns out, he was a total fraud. But you know what? I'm still here. And I'm better for it." The crowd laughs, and Andrea smiles, her heart lighter than it's been in a long time.

In the ending of "Good on Paper," Andrea discovers the truth about her boyfriend, Dennis, and confronts him about his lies. After a series of revelations, she ultimately decides to end their relationship. The film concludes with Andrea embracing her independence and focusing on her career, while Dennis faces the consequences of his deceit.

As the film approaches its climax, the tension between Andrea and Dennis escalates. In a pivotal scene, Andrea, played by Iliza Shlesinger, is at a gathering with friends when she overhears a conversation that reveals Dennis, portrayed by Ryan Hansen, has been lying about his background and accomplishments. The realization hits her hard, and she feels a mix of betrayal and anger.

In the following scene, Andrea confronts Dennis in a private setting. The atmosphere is charged with emotion as she demands the truth. Dennis, initially defensive, tries to downplay his fabrications, but Andrea's determination to uncover the reality only intensifies. She recalls moments from their relationship where his lies had been evident, and the weight of his deception becomes unbearable for her.

As the confrontation unfolds, Dennis's facade begins to crumble. He attempts to charm Andrea back, but she stands firm, her heart racing with the realization that the man she thought she knew is a stranger. The emotional stakes are high; Andrea's vulnerability is palpable as she grapples with the loss of what she believed was a genuine connection.

In a decisive moment, Andrea declares that she cannot be with someone who has built their life on lies. The pain of the betrayal is evident on her face, and she walks away, leaving Dennis to face the consequences of his actions alone. The scene captures the essence of her journey--she has grown stronger and more self-aware, ready to prioritize her own happiness and career over a toxic relationship.

The film then shifts to a final scene where Andrea is seen focusing on her work, surrounded by supportive friends who uplift her. The contrast between her newfound independence and Dennis's isolation is stark. Dennis, left to reflect on his choices, realizes that his deceit has cost him the relationship he valued.

As the credits roll, the audience is left with a sense of closure for Andrea, who has chosen authenticity and self-respect over a relationship built on falsehoods. The film concludes with a powerful message about the importance of honesty and the strength it takes to walk away from a relationship that no longer serves you.

In the movie "Good on Paper," there is no post-credit scene. The film concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The story wraps up with the main character, Andrea, reflecting on her experiences and the lessons learned from her relationship with the charming yet deceptive Dennis. The focus remains on her personal growth and the realization of what she truly values in relationships, leaving the audience with a sense of closure.

The main character, Andrea, is a stand-up comedian and aspiring actress who navigates the challenges of her career while dealing with her personal life.

Andrea meets Dennis on a flight, where they strike up a conversation that leads to a budding relationship.

As their relationship progresses, Andrea begins to notice inconsistencies in Dennis's stories, such as discrepancies in his educational background and career achievements, which raise her suspicions.

Andrea's best friend, Margot, serves as a voice of reason, often expressing her concerns about Dennis and encouraging Andrea to be cautious about the relationship.

Initially, Andrea is charmed by Dennis's charisma and apparent success, but as she uncovers the truth about his deception, their relationship becomes increasingly strained, leading to a confrontation about his lies.

"Good on Paper," produced in 2021, is a romantic comedy that contains some elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Language: The film includes instances of strong language, which may not be appropriate for children.

2. Adult Themes: There are discussions and situations involving dating, relationships, and deception that may be complex for younger viewers to understand.

3. Mature Content: The film touches on themes of manipulation and dishonesty in relationships, which could be unsettling for some.

4. Emotional Conflict: Characters experience emotional turmoil, including feelings of betrayal and disappointment, which may resonate deeply and could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

5. Romantic Situations: There are scenes that depict romantic interactions that may not be suitable for all ages.

Overall, while the film is a comedy, its themes and content may warrant caution for family viewing, particularly for younger children.