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Best Laid Plans

Best Laid Plans

Keeping a relationship alive can be murder

199992 minRMidcredits score: 41st percentile of all films
Director
Mike Barker
Starring
Alessandro Nivola, Reese Witherspoon, Josh Brolin, Gene Wolande

Rich, successful Bryce meets beautiful Lissa at a bar one night and invites her back to his house, not suspecting for a moment that Lissa isn't really who she seems. What unfolds next is a dangerous, tangled web of double-crosses and seduction.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Best Laid Plans?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Best Laid Plans to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Best Laid Plans?

Best Laid Plans earns 7 badges, led by Award Winner and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Best Laid Plans worth watching?

Best Laid Plans' Midcredits score is the 41st percentile of all films, from 12K ratings across 6 sources. 44% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

41st percentile

Better received than 41% of films

42nd percentile among Crime45th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)39th
Approval (how many liked it)44th

58 /100

39th percentile of all films

38th percentile among Crime41st percentile among 1990s

Critics 41 · Audience 60

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.2 — solid but not unanimous.

44% liked it

44th percentile of all films

44th percentile among Crime46th percentile among 1990s
44% rated it 7–1056% rated it 1–6

Critics 43% · Audience 39%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 0 noms overall

84th percentile

12K ratings across platforms

80th percentile among Crime79th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 41% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$7M
Opening weekend$15K
Domestic gross$28K
Worldwide gross$28K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 16th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a twisty crime thriller with solid acting, but they differ on whether the contrivances are clever or ridiculous.

Fans praised

  • unexpected twists that keep you guessing
  • Reese Witherspoon's presence and performance
  • intelligent, intricate plot with dark undertones

Detractors panned

  • far-fetched and contrived plot twists
  • gimmicky, weak dialogue
  • low-budget ineptness

What stands out

Acting70

strong performances, especially Witherspoon and Nivola

Tension65

keeps suspense through twists

Originality65

twist-heavy and different, but comparisons to 'The Usual Suspects'

Plot and storyDivisive60

convoluted with unexpected twists, but some find it far-fetched

Characters60

fresh but underdeveloped characters

Atmosphere60

film noir tone with desperate characters

Pacing50

sluggish in parts but holds interest

Dialogue40

ludicrous at times, but some find it above average

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 13 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 11 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Best Laid Plans like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Melodramatic · 9% of films: Heightened emotion, played large.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.In medias res · 1% of films: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.
ToneA tight crime thriller that plays its moral dilemmas and double-crosses with earnest intensity, never undercutting the stakes.
The rideThe film likely maintains a tense, brooding atmosphere, with the heaviest emotional weight in the final act as the crime and passion collide.
StructureThe story opens with the captive Lissa and the aftermath of the con, then flashes back four months to explain how they got there.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you believing the couple can rebuild together despite the messy cons and lost money, a mix of hope and regret.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe protagonist's moral arc from desperation to honesty, returning the stolen note and choosing integrity, fits the redemption subtype of rebirth. The central con scheme and fake IDs drive the plot.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3% (this title)
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsObsession · 3% of films: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Fate · 1% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a passionate but destructive romantic connection that, combined with crime, drives the characters toward tragic outcomes.
StanceThe film seems to question the destructive nature of passion and crime, without celebrating or fully condemning it.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Craig Armstrong
SettingA gritty small-town America where crime and personal dramas intersect.
MusicCraig Armstrong's score likely underscores the noir tension and romantic melancholy.

Content guide

Is Best Laid Plans okay for kids?

R

Best Laid Plans is rated R: “Rated R for language” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (19/100), language at intense (72/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • Belgium18
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (26 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Best Laid Plans have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Best Laid Plans?

Cast

Alessandro Nivola
as Nick
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Reese Witherspoon
as Lissa
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Josh Brolin
as Bryce
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gene Wolande
as Lawyer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jonathan McMurtry
as Vet
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Terrance Sweeney
as Priest
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rebecca Klingler
as Diner Waitress
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rocky Carroll
as Bad Ass Dude
Kate Hendrickson
as Bar Waitress
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Owen Bush
as Vagrant

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Best Laid Plans?

Movies like Best Laid Plans include The Red Circle (1970), No Country for Old Men (2007) and In This Gray Place (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, several are stories about partners in crime, and half are films about romantic love.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its subject: fate. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Best Laid Plans?

888 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: con artist. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.