One True Loves is a 2023 American romantic drama film directed by Andy Fickman. The movie is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. It tells the story of Emma, a young woman who is torn between her husband Jesse, who she thought had died in a tragic accident four years ago, and her best friend Sam, to whom she is now engaged.
1. What is the Plot of ‘One True Love’?
The movie begins with a glimpse into Emma and Jesse’s perfect love story and wedding. Emma Blair grew up working in her family’s bookstore in the small town of Acton, Massachusetts.
As a teenager, she had a crush on the popular swimmer Jesse Lerner but never acted on her feelings. On the day of their high school graduation, Emma and Jesse connect and start dating.
2. What Happens to Jesse?
On their first anniversary, Jesse leaves for an assignment as a documentary filmmaker in Alaska. Tragically, his helicopter crashes and he is presumed dead. A grieving Emma returns home to her parents and sister Marie.
With their support, she slowly starts to heal and rebuild her life over the next four years. She gives up her dreams of being a travel writer and takes over running her family’s bookstore, finding joy and purpose in this new path.
3. Who is Sam?
Emma also reconnects with Sam, her childhood best friend who has secretly loved her for years. Their friendship blossoms into romance and they get engaged, with Emma finally feeling ready to love again.
However, on the eve of their wedding, Emma’s world is turned upside down by a phone call informing her that Jesse is alive.
He has spent the last four years trapped on a deserted island, surviving on his own before finally being rescued.
4. Who Does Emma End Up With?
Jesse returns home hoping to reconcile with Emma, the woman he never stopped loving. Emma is completely torn, equally in love with both Jesse and Sam.
She moves out of her home and goes on a trip to a cabin with Jesse, hoping to gain clarity on her confused emotions.
In the end, Emma realizes that while she still cares deeply for Jesse, they have grown into very different people over the years apart.
The future they once dreamed of together no longer fits either of their hopes and desires. She acknowledges that she and Jesse will always love each other, but they are not destined to be together now.
Emma returns home to Sam, who has patiently given her space to figure things out. They reconcile, more committed to each other than ever, and eventually get married.
The movie ends with Emma finding out that Jesse has also moved on and found love again, bringing them both closure.
5. Is ‘One True Love’ Worth Watching?
While the performances and premise show promise, ‘One True Loves’ is ultimately let down by its poor execution.
The film fails to effectively translate the emotional complexity of its source material to the screen. The storytelling feels rushed and key moments lack dramatic impact.
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Fickman brings little visual flair or distinctive voice to the project. The result is a generic and overly saccharine melodrama that squanders the talents of its appealing lead actors. Diehard fans of the novel may find things to enjoy, but most viewers will likely find this a flat and forgettable romantic weepie.
