'Mother of the Bride' Ending Explained: Lana and Will's relationship gets tested in Netflix's rom-com flick
Contains spoilers for 'Mother of the Bride'
PHUKET, THAILAND: The Netflix rom-com movie 'Mother of the Bride', directed by Mark Waters, is a romantic comedy with an enjoyable and lighthearted storyline.
The film, written by Robin Bernheim, chronicles the life of Lana (Brooke Shields), a mother who is caught off guard when her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) reveals her wedding plans. At first, Lana was unsure but decided to support her daughter.
Lana's joy, however, is short-lived when she learns that her daughter has opted to pursue a career as an influencer rather than attend college.
As if this wasn't enough, Lana discovers that her daughter's fiancé's father is her ex-boyfriend Will (Benjamin Bratt), who previously crushed her heart.
As the narrative progresses, Lana finds it difficult to contain her feelings for Will while planning for her daughter's wedding.
Will finally reveals the real reason behind his breakup with Lana
Lana is clearly unsettled by Will's presence at the wedding as she obviously hasn't moved on from the heartbreak.
Her emotions, however, erupt when the former lovers get stranded in Lover's Cove. It was there that she finally opened up and acknowledged that his presence brings back sad memories, as it took enormous willpower for her to move on and the fact that despite still finding him attractive, she is afraid of being vulnerable again.
Will, in turn, explains the reasons for his sudden decision. He felt jealous of Lana's career planning while he battled to establish his goal. He thought that remaining together would only limit her potential, so he departed to discover himself.
He sought to reconcile with Lana later, but she was already married. He also married RJ's (Sean Teale) mother, but it was a loveless marriage that ended in divorce.
Will informs Lana that his affection for her is real, which enables Lana to forgive him as they both recognize their emotions and resolve for the prospect of a future together.
Emma makes a bold decision in 'Mother of the Bride'
Following her dispute with Lana, Emma feels hurt and realizes that she has been too fixated on social media postings rather than enjoying her wedding.
During a chat with Camala (Tasneem Roc), she indicated an interest in charitable work at Ocean Institute, but it was not a priority for her management. She was tired of feeling like a puppet in the hands of the sponsoring corporation, so she decided it was time to stand firm.
Later, she reconciles with her mother while assuring Camala that her mother and bridesmaids will wear clothing of their choosing, and Lana will give the toast she wrote herself rather than one produced by a random writer.
Lana is left startled following Will's proposal in 'Mother of the Bride'
Later that evening, Lana overhears a phone conversation of Will, leading her to suspect he has a girlfriend.
Heartbroken and upset with herself for trusting him again, she decides to ignore him during the wedding the following day entirely.
However, Will, perplexed and upset by Lana's coldness, attempts to approach her after the wedding. Lana is hesitant to explain, but the newlyweds urge them to discuss the matter, and she eventually admits her concerns about his infidelity.
In a surprising change of events, Katrina (Sue Swallow), the woman on the phone, comes forward. She turns out to be Will's long-time assistant, who is just frustrated by his last-minute request to recover a ring he purchased twenty years ago.
Will, fearful of losing Lana again, displays the ring he's had hidden for years and proposes. Lana and Will reconcile after being years apart, which delights Emma and RJ. The film ends with destiny reuniting the former lovers.
'Mother of the Bride' trailer