The Art of Us

Dr. Harper Higgins is an adjunct art history professor whose career depends on curating a successful art show featuring the famous artist Armand. When Armand bails for a more prestigious show in Paris, Harper's rival, Dr. Lars Browning, attempts to take over the project. Desperate to save her career and secure a permanent position, Harper discovers that her dog-walker, Tom Becker—a former soldier who took up painting as therapy—is incredibly talented. She convinces Tom to participate in the show, but to satisfy the college board's demand for a 'name' artist, she tells a massive lie: that Tom is the great-great-grandson of Vincent van Gogh. Tom, who needs money to repair his sinking houseboat, reluctantly agrees to the ruse. Harper begins tutoring Tom in art history so he can pass as a van Gogh expert, and the two develop a romantic connection. The situation becomes complicated when Harper's ex-boyfriend, art critic Rick Abbot, returns to town and expresses skepticism about Tom's lineage. At a cocktail party hosted by Lars, Tom is interrogated by Rick but manages to hold his own. However, the guilt of the deception weighs heavily on both Harper and Tom. At the gallery opening, after a major art dealer expresses interest based on the van Gogh 'pedigree,' Rick publicly exposes the fraud. Harper and Tom come clean, leading to professional fallout. Harper loses her chance at the promotion but finds her passion for painting again, while Tom realizes his work has merit on its own when the Dean's wife buys his paintings despite the scandal. The film ends with Harper and Tom together, both pursuing their art authentically, and Tom finally successfully training Harper's stubborn dog, Vincent.