Linda Sinclair, a 45-year-old spinster English teacher (Moore), leads a routine life until she runs into a former student, Jason Sherwood (Angarano). Jason has just graduated from NYU after finishing his creative writing thesis: a play called The Chrysalis. Although Jason seems ambivalent about the quality of his work, Linda insists on reading it. Eventually, she passionately convinces the school administrators to allow the school drama club to perform the play.
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Unbeknownst to Jason, Linda has promised the principal that Jason will change what they see as an inappropriate ending for a high school play: everyone dies. Because Linda wants to see Jason feel good about his work, she decides to hide that information from him. Things get even more complicated between them due to a moment of indiscretion in her classroom after play practice. However, they decide to focus on the play instead of a possible relationship.
When word gets out about their indiscretion, Linda gets fired from her job. However, this doesn't last long since the director falls ill and is hospital-ridden. After some coaxing from the principal and a promise to reinstate her teaching position, Linda returns as the replacement director and composes a new ending to the play, since Jason has since angrily washed his hands of changing his original play.
On opening night, Jason reaps the rewards of his talent by a standing ovation from the crowd. He and Linda make amends, and both move forward with their lives. In fact, the final scene includes Linda on a date with Jason's father, Dr. Tom Sherwood (Kinnear). They both realize that everyone makes mistakes and if they can get over past wrongs, then they can possibly enjoy a relationship together.
Best part of story, including ending:
I liked that the ending afforded all characters an opportunity to make amends for the mistakes.
Best scene in story:
I enjoyed the scene in which Linda and Dr. Tom Sherwood have an argument about Jason at the local gym they attend. I found the gym to be a hilarious backdrop for their immaturity.
Opinion about the main character:
I liked that Linda was able to apologize for her mistakes and to overcome her humiliation to return to help with the play.
