Dater's Handbook

The film opens with Cassandra 'Cass' Brand realizing her current boyfriend, Peter, is yet another in a long line of men who refuse to commit, evidenced by his refusal to attend a wedding with her. After seeing relationship expert Dr. Susie on a morning talk show, Cass's sister Nadia and mother Gloria convince her that she is the problem because she picks 'rebellious' types. Cass decides to follow 'The Dater's Handbook,' a guide that suggests women should choose reliable, dependable, and even 'average' men over exciting ones. At a wedding, she meets Robert Zappia, a fun-loving guy who works for the Parks and Rec department. They have an immediate connection over a shared piece of cake, but Cass is wary because he seems like the 'fun guy' the book warns against. Soon after, George, a client and insurance adjuster, asks her out. George is the embodiment of the handbook's ideals: he is formal, punctual, and highly predictable. Cass begins dating both men simultaneously to 'test' the handbook's theories. Robert takes her mini-golfing and to an REO Speedwagon concert (inviting her mother along), while George takes her to a string quartet and fine dining where he orders for her in French. The conflict intensifies as Cass uses a literal checklist to grade their performances. A turning point occurs when Robert takes Cass to a wing restaurant; she accidentally eats honey, which she is allergic to, and ends up in the emergency room. Despite the disaster, Robert stays by her side all night. Meanwhile, George proves his reliability by fixing her sink and discussing insurance safety. However, Cass realizes she is pretending to be someone else with George—someone who likes 'soothing' music and doesn't share food. The climax arrives when Cass sees Dr. Susie on TV again, now promoting a book about divorce because her own 'perfectly reliable' husband didn't work out. Realizing the handbook is a sham, Cass breaks up with George, admitting she hasn't been genuine. She rushes to a lantern festival to find Robert, apologizes for her behavior and the checklist, and they reconcile, choosing a relationship based on authentic connection rather than a manual.