1996
Dishonest lawyer Fletcher Reid's career-driven nature prompts his ex-wife, Audrey, to plan a move to Boston with their son, Max. On his birthday, Max wishes his father couldn't lie for a day, a curse that immediately jeopardizes Fletcher's high-stakes divorce case and reveals his infidelity. As the curse escalates, Fletcher's career implodes, forcing him to confront his dishonesty and the pain he has caused his family. In a desperate attempt to reconcile, Fletcher races to the airport, ultimately convincing his family to stay together in Los Angeles.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Fletcher Reid, a fast-talking lawyer and habitual liar, is forced by his son’s birthday wish to tell the truth for 24 hours.
Open full beat sheetFletcher Reid is listed as Protagonist / Lawyer. A successful, fast-talking lawyer who is pathologically dishonest until he is cursed to tell the truth for 24 hours. In the parsed data, Fletcher Reid is connected to 51 scenes, 60 dialogue lines, 61 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
51 scenes / 60 dialogue linesAudrey Reid is listed as Fletcher's Ex-Wife. Fletcher's ex-wife who is planning to move to Boston with her new boyfriend. In the parsed data, Audrey Reid is connected to 22 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
22 scenes / 13 dialogue linesMax Reid is listed as Fletcher's Son. Fletcher's five-year-old son whose birthday wish causes his father's curse. In the parsed data, Max Reid is connected to 21 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
21 scenes / 12 dialogue linesJerry is listed as Audrey's Boyfriend. Audrey's affable and good-natured boyfriend. In the parsed data, Jerry is connected to 11 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
11 scenes / 7 dialogue linesGreta is listed as Fletcher's Secretary. Fletcher's world-weary and loyal secretary. In the parsed data, Greta is connected to 11 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
11 scenes / 3 dialogue linesJudge Stevens is listed as Judge. The judge presiding over the Cole divorce case. In the parsed data, Judge Stevens is connected to 10 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 49.
10 scenes / 2 dialogue linesVirginia Cole is listed as Fletcher's Client. An alluring woman involved in a high-stakes divorce case. In the parsed data, Virginia Cole is connected to 9 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
9 scenes / 8 dialogue linesMiranda is listed as Law Firm Partner. A steely, ambitious partner at Fletcher's law firm. In the parsed data, Miranda is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 9.
9 scenes / 0 dialogue linesDana Appleton is listed as Opposing Counsel. The attorney representing Mr. Cole in the divorce case. In the parsed data, Dana Appleton is connected to 6 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 49.
6 scenes / 1 dialogue linesMr. Allan is listed as Law Firm Founder. The head of the law firm where Fletcher works. In the parsed data, Mr. Allan is connected to 3 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 44.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMs. Berry asks the children to share what their parents do for work; Max describes his father as a liar.
Max ReidFletcher Reid delivers a manipulative closing argument in a divorce case.
Fletcher Reid, Judge Stevens, Virginia Cole, Dana AppletonFletcher leaves the courthouse and is approached by a publicist.
Fletcher ReidFletcher picks up Max and interacts with Audrey and Jerry.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher and Audrey have a tense conversation about their past and her relationship with Jerry.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey ReidFletcher drives Max to his office.
Fletcher Reid, Max ReidFletcher encounters Philip in the lobby.
Fletcher Reid, Max ReidFletcher swaps a gift card at the reception desk.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, GretaMiranda discusses a case with Fred.
MirandaFletcher interacts with colleagues and Greta.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Greta, MirandaFletcher works while Max waits.
Fletcher Reid, Max ReidJerry proposes to Audrey.
Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher gives Max a birthday present.
Fletcher Reid, Max ReidJerry and Audrey discuss moving to Boston.
Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher watches Max and Jerry play, then has a tense exchange with Audrey about Max's birthday.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher and Miranda review the Cole case with Virginia; Fletcher is seduced by Miranda.
Fletcher Reid, Miranda, Virginia ColeA birthday party for Max is underway; Jerry and Audrey discuss their future.
Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryAudrey and Jerry discuss the impact of Fletcher on their potential move.
Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher receives a call from Audrey while with Miranda.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey Reid, MirandaMax makes a birthday wish.
Max Reid, Audrey ReidFletcher tells the truth to Miranda.
Fletcher Reid, MirandaFletcher is kicked out of the office.
Fletcher ReidFletcher wakes up realizing he told the truth.
Fletcher ReidFletcher insults a new neighbor.
Fletcher ReidFletcher struggles with his inability to lie during the Cole case.
Fletcher Reid, Virginia Cole, Judge Stevens, Dana AppletonFletcher negotiates the settlement.
Fletcher Reid, Judge Stevens, Dana AppletonVirginia refuses the settlement.
Fletcher Reid, Virginia Cole, Judge StevensFletcher insults his coworkers.
Fletcher Reid, GretaFletcher tries to write a lie.
Fletcher Reid, GretaFletcher interacts with Greta while struggling with his inability to lie, then receives a call from Audrey.
Fletcher Reid, GretaFletcher and Audrey have a tense phone conversation where Fletcher is forced to tell the truth about his infidelity.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey ReidAudrey drops Max off at school and learns about his birthday wish.
Max Reid, Audrey ReidFletcher calls Audrey and learns she is moving to Boston with Jerry.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey ReidMiranda confronts Fletcher, but he is forced to tell her the truth about his lack of respect for her.
Fletcher Reid, MirandaFletcher gets pulled over by a police officer and confesses to all his traffic violations.
Fletcher ReidFletcher and Audrey deal with his impounded car and discuss the Boston move.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey ReidFletcher visits Max's class and gives an brutally honest talk about being a lawyer.
Fletcher Reid, Max ReidFletcher encounters Philip and tries to avoid him, but ends up agreeing to meet.
Fletcher ReidFletcher arrives at his office, ignoring Miranda and Greta, and retreats into his office.
Fletcher Reid, Miranda, GretaFletcher confesses to Greta that he is under a truth-telling curse.
Fletcher Reid, GretaMiranda eavesdrops on Fletcher and Greta.
MirandaGreta tests Fletcher's inability to lie regarding a past raise request.
Fletcher Reid, GretaGreta packs her things while Fletcher struggles with phone calls.
Fletcher Reid, Greta, Judge StevensFletcher insults Mr. Allan in front of the firm's partners.
Fletcher Reid, Miranda, Mr. AllanFletcher struggles through the divorce case while under the curse.
Fletcher Reid, Virginia Cole, Judge Stevens, Dana AppletonFletcher beats himself up to try and force a recess.
Fletcher ReidFletcher talks to Max and prepares for the final cross-examination.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Virginia ColeFletcher cross-examines Falk and exposes Virginia's lies.
Fletcher Reid, Virginia Cole, Judge StevensFletcher cross-examines Virginia Cole, exposing her lies about her age and marital status to void a prenuptial agreement.
Fletcher Reid, Virginia Cole, Judge Stevens, Dana AppletonThe judge rules in favor of Virginia, but she immediately contests custody, shocking Fletcher.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey Reid, Virginia Cole, Mr. Allan, Judge Stevens, Dana AppletonFletcher has a breakdown, denouncing the legal system and his own actions before being removed.
Fletcher Reid, Mr. Allan, Judge StevensMax is upset after his father's behavior; Audrey decides to move to Boston.
Max Reid, Audrey ReidFletcher is in jail, frantic to make a phone call.
Fletcher ReidAudrey and Max discuss moving to Boston with Jerry.
Max Reid, Audrey ReidFletcher calls Audrey, but she refuses to listen and prepares to leave.
Fletcher Reid, Audrey ReidGreta bails Fletcher out of jail.
Fletcher Reid, GretaAudrey, Max, and Jerry prepare to board their flight.
Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher is stranded after his car is impounded and tries to get to the airport.
Fletcher ReidFletcher chases the plane on a mobile stair unit.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher attempts to stop the plane, crashes into luggage, and collapses.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher is in a jail cell, bandaged and bruised, when a deputy tells him he has been bailed out.
Fletcher ReidFletcher is released and confronts Audrey, Jerry, and Max about the move to Boston.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryFletcher, Audrey, Jerry, and Max spend time together at a park.
Fletcher Reid, Max Reid, Audrey Reid, JerryYou wanted me to stop lying. But lying isn't the problem... Why we lie ~ that's the problem. Sometimes we lie to make someone else feel better. But sometimes we lie because the truth gets in our way... But being an adult means you sacrifice some things for more important things. Much more important things. I was so stupid, Max. Malfunction in vector one. All this time you've been here and I could see you anytime I felt like it. And I... didn't. Please don't go to Boston. Max, I love you more than anything else in the world and you know it's true. I couldn't say it if it weren't true. Not today.
In light of this new evidence, the court must rule in favor of the defense. Mrs. Cole is hereby awarded half of the marital assets -or thirty-seven million three hundred and ninety-five thousand dollars.
It's okay. Boston means this to me. All I want is for this lady and Max to be happy. Preferably, with me. Whatever they want, I'll go along with.
He's telling the truth, Mom. He's not allowed to lie. I made a wish and anything Dad says has to be the truth. Right?
Yes! I lied so I could get married! So there Mister 'I-GOT-ALL-THE-ANSWERS-BECAUSE-I-WENT-TO-LAW-SCHOOL'!
True blue? What if I asked you to remove your contact lenses? What color would they be then?
Fantastically fair. Phenomenally fair. In fact, I'd say beyond fair, bordering on stupid.
Wrong! I didn't lie to make myself younger. I made myself older. I was born in 1965!
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