Calvin is a young novelist who achieved phenomenal success early in his career but is now struggling with his writing – as well as his romantic life. Finally, he makes a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby who inspires him. When Calvin finds Ruby, in the flesh, sitting on his couch about a week later, he is completely flabbergasted that his words have turned into a living, breathing person.
Writing
Zoe Kazan's script weaponizes wish-fulfillment against itself.
Acting
Dano's unraveling and Kazan's shapeshifting—real couple, real tension.
Direction
Little Miss Sunshine directors bring indie warmth to deeply creepy premise.
Director
Jonathan Dayton
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Real-life couple Zoe Kazan and Paul Dano co-wrote and starred; they started dating after meeting on a stage play in 2007.
Often read as a direct critique of the 'manic pixie dream girl' trope that peaked in 2000s indie cinema—Eternal Sunshine's darker cousin.
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