January 11, 2011 (Westwood, California)
January 21, 2011 (United States)
No Strings Attached is a 2011 American romantic comedy film directed and co-produced by Ivan Reitman. Starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher, the film is about two friends who decide to make a pact to have a "no strings attached" relationship, without falling in love with each other. The film was released in the United States on January 21, 2011, to mixed reviews, with praise for the lead pair's performances and chemistry, but criticism for its direction and screenplay.
Storyline
Emma Kurtzman and Adam Franklin first meet as teenagers at a summer camp attended by their families. Over the years, they occasionally cross paths but do not stay in touch. As adults, Emma becomes a doctor in Los Angeles, while Adam works as a production assistant for a musical television show.
Adam discovers that his father, Alvin, a former television comedy star, is now dating Adam's ex-girlfriend, Vanessa. Upset by the news, Adam gets drunk and contacts several women in his phone. He wakes up the next morning on Emma's couch, where her friends tease him for having cried and passed out naked. Emma helps him find his clothes, and the two end up having sex.
They sleep together again at Adam's home and agree to begin a casual, "no strings attached" sexual relationship. Over time, Adam develops romantic feelings for Emma and becomes jealous of her colleague Sam. Emma, who is uncomfortable with emotional involvement, ends their arrangement. However, she later realizes she misses Adam, and after a night of drinking, goes to his apartment, where they sleep together again.
On Adam's birthday, Alvin announces that he plans to have children with Vanessa. Disturbed by the news, Adam leaves the celebration. Emma supports him, and Adam asks her to go on a real date with him on Valentine's Day. Although the date goes well, Emma reiterates that she is not ready for a serious relationship. Adam, wanting more, decides to end their friendship.
Six weeks later, at her sister's wedding rehearsal dinner, Emma realizes she wants to be with Adam. She calls him, but he does not reciprocate. She drives to his apartment and sees him arriving with his co-worker Lucy, whom she assumes is his new girlfriend. Heartbroken, she leaves without speaking to him.
That night, as Adam and Lucy begin to get intimate, Vanessa calls to say that Alvin is in the hospital. Adam rushes to the hospital and finds Emma already there, having been informed by a colleague. Emma confesses her feelings, and Adam asks her to try having a real relationship, to which she agrees.
They attend Emma's sister's wedding together. Alvin recovers and breaks up with Vanessa after realizing she is not truly committed to the relationship. He later begins dating Lucy. Meanwhile, Adam and Emma begin a committed romantic relationship. The film ends with the two of them enjoying a relaxed breakfast together, indicating the start of a more emotionally open and lasting partnership.
Sound Effects Used
- Hollywoodedge, Elevator Bell DingsL PE192801
- Hollywoodedge, Forest Ambience Bird PE010101
- Hollywoodedge, Night Ambience Calm PE011801
- Hollywoodedge, Wood Door OCKnob Ratt PE180201
- IOS Marimba Ringtone Sound
- Sound Ideas, WOOD, DOOR - LARGE FRONT DOOR TO HOUSE: OPEN
Image Gallery