May 12, 2008 (Leicester Square)
May 30, 2008 (United States)
Sex and the City (marketed as Sex and the City: The Movie) is a 2008 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Michael Patrick King in his feature film directorial debut. It serves as a continuation of the HBO television series Sex and the City (1998–2004), and follows the lives of four close friends— Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis), and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon)—as they navigate relationships, careers, and personal challenges in New York City.
The film had its world premiere at Leicester Square in London on May 15, 2008, and was released theatrically in the United States on May 30. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics—many describing it as an extended episode of the series—it was a major commercial success, grossing $418.8 million worldwide against a $65 million budget. A sequel, Sex and the City 2, was released in 2010, followed by a revival series, And Just Like That..., which premiered in 2021.
Storyline
A few years after the events of the television series, Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big are in a committed relationship and preparing to move in together. They find an expensive penthouse in New York City, which Big agrees to purchase. Concerned about her lack of legal rights if they separate, Carrie considers selling her apartment to contribute financially. Big proposes marriage, and Carrie accepts.
Carrie is invited by Vogue editor Enid to be featured in the magazine's bridal couture "Age Issue." She models several designer gowns and is especially drawn to a Vivienne Westwood dress, which is later gifted to her. The attention surrounding the dress leads Carrie to plan a large, elaborate wedding. The scale of the event begins to cause anxiety for Big, who has been divorced twice.
Miranda Hobbes is struggling in her marriage to Steve. Their intimacy has declined due to work and parenting responsibilities. Steve admits to having an affair, and Miranda decides to leave him. At Carrie and Big's rehearsal dinner, Steve attempts to reconcile, but Miranda remains upset and tells Big that marriage ruins everything. On the day of the wedding, Big experiences doubts and calls Carrie to cancel. Carrie, heartbroken, leaves the venue. When Big tries to speak to her outside, she hits him with her bouquet.
Carrie travels to Mexico with Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on what was meant to be her honeymoon. After returning to New York, she hires an assistant, Louise, to help her reorganize her life. Louise eventually reconciles with her ex-boyfriend and moves back to St. Louis to marry him.
Charlotte York, who previously faced fertility challenges, learns that she is pregnant. Miranda confesses to Carrie that she made a discouraging remark about marriage to Big the night before the wedding. Carrie is angered and blames her for influencing Big's decision. Miranda later apologizes, and Carrie forgives her. Carrie encourages her to consider forgiving Steve, and the couple attends counseling and reconciles.
Samantha is living in Los Angeles with Smith, whose acting career is thriving. She becomes increasingly dissatisfied in the relationship, especially as she finds herself attracted to her neighbor, Dante. Recognizing her unhappiness, she ends the relationship and returns to New York.
Charlotte runs into Big at a restaurant, and the encounter causes her water to break. Big takes her to the hospital and waits nearby in hopes of speaking with Carrie. Harry informs Carrie that Big had sent her numerous emails, which she discovers were stored by Louise. The messages include famous love letters and an original note apologizing and expressing his love.
Carrie goes to the penthouse to retrieve a pair of shoes and finds Big there. They reconcile and get married at New York City Hall. Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha arrive to celebrate, having been invited by Big. The four friends raise a toast to Samantha's 50th birthday and the years ahead.
Also See
Movie Trailer
- Sex and the City (2008) (Trailers)
Sound Effects Used
- Sound Ideas, HUMAN, GURGLE - STOMACH, GRUMBLE, GRUMBLING STOMACH, DIGIFFECTS (Used for Charlotte's intestines.)