“Something Borrowed” is a novel written by Emily Giffin and published in 2004. In 2011, the book was adapted into a film, directed by Luke Greenfield and starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, and John Krasinski. The story revolves around the lives of two best friends, Rachel and Darcy, who find themselves in a complicated love triangle with a mutual friend, Dex. The novel and film adaptation explore themes of friendship, love, and betrayal, making for an engaging and relatable narrative.
Brief book summary and movie summary
In the book, Rachel, a successful lawyer, is celebrating her 30th birthday with her best friend Darcy and other close friends. She has always been in love with her best friend’s fiancé, Dex, who also happens to be her law school classmate. The attraction between Rachel and Dex intensifies as they share a drunken kiss on her birthday. They eventually give in to their feelings and begin an affair, leaving Rachel with the decision of choosing between her loyalty to Darcy or following her heart with Dex.
The movie adaptation follows a similar storyline, with a few minor changes. The film’s visual storytelling allows for a more immersive experience, bringing the characters and their emotions to life. The movie’s ending also differs from the book, adding a twist that leaves the viewer questioning the true meaning of friendship and love.
Parent guide: Is Something Borrowed appropriate for all ages?
“Something Borrowed” is a romantic comedy that explores adult themes such as infidelity, love, friendship, and betrayal. The film adaptation has a PG-13 rating due to some sexual content and language. Therefore, it may not be suitable for younger children. Parents should watch the film first to determine if it is appropriate for their children based on their family values and guidelines.
When and where does Something Borrowed take place?
“Something Borrowed” primarily takes place in present-day New York City, with a few scenes set in the Hamptons during a weekend getaway. The setting plays a significant role in the story, as the bustling city serves as a backdrop for the characters’ complicated lives and relationships.
Exploring the film locations
The film adaptation showcases various locations in New York City and the Hamptons. Some notable locations include Central Park, where Rachel and Dex take a walk and share an intimate moment; the New York Public Library, where the friends attend a wedding; and the luxurious Hamptons beach house, where the group spends a weekend. These locations add to the film’s visual appeal and create an authentic atmosphere for the story.
Who’s who: Main characters and their roles
- Rachel White: A successful lawyer and the protagonist of the story, who finds herself torn between loyalty to her best friend and her love for Dex.
- Darcy Rhone: Rachel’s self-centered and manipulative best friend, engaged to Dex.
- Dex Thaler: An attorney engaged to Darcy, who has unresolved feelings for Rachel.
- Ethan: Rachel’s close friend, who serves as her confidant and voice of reason throughout the story.
- Marcus: A friend of the group and Ethan’s roommate, who becomes romantically involved with one of the characters.
Memorable quotes from Something Borrowed
“It’s amazing how someone can break your heart and you still love them with all the little pieces.” – Rachel
“You can’t always control who you fall in love with.” – Ethan
“Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty to find your happy ending.” – Marcus
“True friends are hard to come by. Don’t throw them away for something borrowed.” – Rachel
The soundtrack by Alex Wurman: A closer look
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Alex Wurman, perfectly complements the story’s emotional highs and lows. Featuring a blend of pop songs and instrumental tracks, the soundtrack adds depth to each scene, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Curiosities and behind-the-scenes facts
Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Rachel, initially auditioned for the role of Darcy.
The film’s director, Luke Greenfield, makes a cameo appearance as a wedding guest.
The movie’s ending differs from the book, adding a twist that was not present in the original story.
Tips for cosplay: How to dress like your favorite characters
Dressing up as the characters from “Something Borrowed” can be a fun and creative way to show your love for the story. For Rachel, opt for a chic, professional look with tailored dresses and blouses paired with classic pumps. For Darcy, channel her glamorous style with bold, statement-making outfits and accessories. For Dex, a sharp suit or casual button-down shirt and jeans will do the trick.
Emily Giffin: Biography and literary works
Emily Giffin is a best-selling author known for her relatable and engaging novels. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she graduated from Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Before becoming a full-time writer, Giffin practiced law in New York City. She has written several successful novels, including “Something Borrowed,” “Something Blue,” and “First Comes Love.”
Ending explained: Novel vs. Film adaptation
The ending of “Something Borrowed” differs between the novel and film adaptation. In the book, Rachel tells Dex that they cannot continue their affair and must end their relationship. However, Dex leaves Darcy at the altar and confesses his love for Rachel.
In the film, the ending is more ambiguous, leaving the viewer to wonder whether Rachel and Dex will end up together. This twist adds a layer of complexity to the story and sparks further discussion about the characters’ decisions.
Remake, sequel, and spin-off possibilities
While there hasn’t been any news about a remake or spin-off, fans of “Something Borrowed” can look forward to a potential sequel. “Something Blue,” the sequel to the novel, focuses on Darcy’s perspective and her journey after the events of “Something Borrowed.” A film adaptation has been in development for several years, with no official release date announced.
Other media by Luke Greenfield: Exploring the director’s work
Luke Greenfield is a talented director known for his work on various films, including “The Girl Next Door,” “Let’s Be Cops,” and “Half Brothers.” Fans of “Something Borrowed” may enjoy exploring his other projects for more engaging and entertaining stories.
Similar media to Something Borrowed: Books and films to enjoy
If you enjoyed “Something Borrowed,” you might also like:
- “The Devil Wears Prada” by Lauren Weisberger (book) and its film adaptation
- “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding (book) and its film adaptation
- “Confessions of a Shopaholic” by Sophie Kinsella (book) and its film adaptation
Other works by Emily Giffin: Novels worth reading
Emily Giffin has written several other captivating novels that explore themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Some of her popular titles include “Something Blue,” “Baby Proof,” “Love the One You’re With,” and “All We Ever Wanted.”
Book club questions for Something Borrowed
- How do the characters’ actions reflect the themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal?
- How does the setting of New York City contribute to the story’s atmosphere?
- What are your thoughts on the book’s ending compared to the film adaptation?
Video games inspired by Something Borrowed: Are there any?
While there are no video games directly inspired by “Something Borrowed,” fans of the story may enjoy narrative-driven games that focus on relationships and decision-making, such as “Life is Strange” and “Firewatch.”
Travel guide: Visiting the real-life locations of Something Borrowed
Traveling to New York City and the Hamptons allows fans of “Something Borrowed” to immerse themselves in the story’s setting. Key locations to visit include Central Park, the New York Public Library, and the various neighborhoods and iconic landmarks featured throughout the film.
Conclusion
“Something Borrowed” offers a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and betrayal. Whether you’re a fan of the book, the film, or both, there’s much to appreciate and discuss in this engaging story. Dive deeper into the world of “Something Borrowed” by exploring the works of Emily Giffin, the film’s locations, and similar media that capture the essence of this captivating tale.
