| Director | James L. Brooks |
|---|---|
| Genre | drama film, romantic comedy |
| Runtime | 130 min |
| Country | United States |
| Budget | $80 million |
| Box office | $55 million |
In Cristina Moreno's Princeton University application essay, she tells the story of a year from her childhood and how it shaped who she is today.
In 1992, Flor Moreno, a Mexican single mother, moved to the United States ("economy class," according to Cristina's letter) to seek a better life for her and her daughter. Settling in a Latino community in Los Angeles, Flor has no need to learn English, though Cristina does.
Flor works two jobs to support them, but, as Cristina blossoms, realizes she needs to watch her more closely. So she gets a job as a housekeeper for John and Deborah Clasky; their children Bernice and Georgie; and Deborah's mother, Evelyn Wright.
John is a chef and easy-going family man. Deborah is a businesswoman who was laid off, so is now a stay-at-home mother. Evelyn is a retired singer who tends to drink to excess. Deborah is uptight, neurotic and insecure. She body-shames Bernice and bullies John by demanding he always back her up. He is torn between defending his kids' mental health and his domineering wife. Flor tries to build Bernice's self-confidence with small acts of kindness, especially when Deborah is harsh.
Flor gets on well with the Claskys despite the language barrier. When Deborah rents a house for the summer, she demands Flor live in while they are there, as commuting from LA to Malibu by bus is unfeasible. Faced with losing her job, Flor reluctantly agrees to bring Cristina to live with the Claskys for the summer. Cristina is instantly dazzled by the Claskys' wealthy lifestyle.
Deborah quickly attaches to the beautiful and personable Cristina, ignoring Bernice. Flor does not approve of the attention. John unwittingly angers Flor when he offers to pay the children a set amount for each bit of sea glass they find on the beach. Cristina earnestly searches for hours, earning $640 for her efforts.
Flor and John argue, with Cristina as an interpreter. Flor wants to leave because of the awkward family dynamic. To Cristina's delight, he convinces her to stay, and Flor starts an English course so she can better communicate with them. Deborah begins an affair with a real estate agent.
John is tipped off to a critic visiting his restaurant; not wanting the additional social pressures of being famed for his cooking, he unsuccessfully attempts to offer a good but not great dish. When John's restaurant subsequently receives an enthusiastic review, he stresses about maintaining standards, but Deborah is allegedly so happy with the news she has sex with John. She also secures Cristina a scholarship to Bernice's private school, upsetting Flor, who is concerned her daughter might become an outcast or lose her individuality there. As Cristina begs to attend the school, Flor agrees but feels that Deborah is overstepping her bounds and voices her concerns to John, who tells her he empathizes as Bernice's own mother does not support her.
Deborah allows Cristina to bring her private school friends over for a sleepover, telling Flor it is a study session although Cristina is expected home for a family event. The now-sober Evelyn confronts her daughter about her affair, warning her she will lose John and ruin her life if she does not stop.
Deborah confesses to John, who cannot face her and leaves. He encounters Flor, who has arrived to quit and retrieve Cristina. Since Cristina is asleep with her friends, John takes Flor to his restaurant, where he cooks for her, and they admit their feelings for each other but acknowledge they cannot have a relationship.
A desperate Deborah continuously tries to contact John, blaming Evelyn's failings as a parent for her behavior. They have a frank conversation during which they admit their faults and become closer.
The next day, Flor comes to take Cristina home and informs her that she has quit her job, which upsets her. John and Flor part amicably. On the way home, Flor further informs Cristina she cannot attend private school anymore, which leads her to have a public meltdown and accuse her of ruining her life.
After Cristina asks her mother for "space," Flor, having lost patience, tells Cristina she must answer an important question at such a young age: "Is what you want for yourself to become someone very different than me?" Cristina considers this on their bus ride home before they make up and embrace.
Cristina's essay to the Princeton committee concludes that, although being accepted would thrill her, she would not let it define her, as she is already her mother's daughter.