Although Mavis Gary is in her mid thirties and divorced, she is still shamelessly egocentric and irresponsible. As a writer of children's books, she drifts between the experiences of the young, imaginary heroines of her novels and her own reality, which offers plenty of room for improvement. When the birth of her ex-boyfriend Buddy Slade’s baby is announced, she spots an opportunity for adventure. Buddy is now happily married and still lives in their hometown of Mercury. Without further ado, Mavis decides that it is time to free him from the misery of his domesticated, provincial life and recapture his heart. Mavis has high hopes for the success of her meticulously planned campaign to win him back, but she overlooks the fact that Buddy Slade has long had more than just parties and girls on his mind.
After JUNO, screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman come together for the second time to make a comedy with contemporary issues lurking beneath the surface. The filmmakers take a critical look at today’s world – a world where becoming an adult can always wait.