Genre: Animation/Musical/Romance
Director: Glen Keane
Writer: Jacob Jones
Voice Cast: Marion Cotillard, Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Selena Gomez, John C. Reilly, Kristen Bell, Ella Purnell, Adam Pascal, Ramin Karimloo, Jeremy Jordan, Colm Wilkinson
Plot: Paris, France: 1962
A middle-aged man paces back and forth, nervously awaiting the birth of his daughter. He looks at his wife, in complete pain as she gives birth. After what appears to be a tedious time, their daughter is officially born. Her new father comes up to her, holding her up and welcoming Nadine (Marion Cotillard) to the world. He promises to always be there for her.
A montage proves his words true throughout the years, Nadine grows from an infant to a gentle, kind-hearted young adult. On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Nadine comes up to her parents and thanks them for always being with her. Her father smiles, a tear appearing in his eye as the three embrace.
Paris, France: 1983
A now twenty-one-year-old Nadine sits inside the same hospital that she was born in, desperately asking a doctor if her parents are going to be okay. The doctor only gives her a solemn headshake. A few days later, a funeral for them is held, having passed in their sleep. Dressed in all black, Nadine kisses both coffins, saying goodbye to her parents. Not long after, Nadine learns that she’s inherited the entire family fortune, including their house and finances. Stunned, Nadine promises to tend to it as best she can.
For the next few weeks, Nadine stays isolated from the rest of the world. One night, she sings a song in remembrance of her parents, breaking into tears as she finishes. Unbeknownst to Nadine, her three closest friends had entered her mansion. The youngest, Marie (Selena Gomez) hears someone crying from upstairs. The three friends head up the stairs, entering a large bedroom where Chloe (Ella Purnell) spots Nadine.
The eldest friend, Jeanette (Kristen Bell) comes up to Nadine, asking what’s wrong. Nadine tells them of her sorrows and missing her parents. Jeanette expresses sympathy, knowing how hard it is to lose a loved one. She then suggests the three of them go out to see France at its finest. Chloe and Marie instantly agree and while it takes Nadine some cajoling, she accepts the offer. The four friends head out to downtown Paris, taking in all the delicious sights, sounds, and entertainment.
During the evening, Nadine wanders to a mysterious yet intriguing looking stall. Inside, she finds a glowing crystal ball being tended to by Elodie (Emma Watson), a local fortune teller. She welcomes her inside and asks what brings her here. Nadine tells her that she’s here for a girl’s night out and came across her stall. Elodie exclaims that Nadine’s come to the right place, for she is not only the finest fortune teller in all of Paris, she also has the world’s only living crystal ball.
Elodie introduces her crystal ball to Nadine. When Nadine introduces herself, the Crystal Ball (John C. Reilly) immediately greets her with a joyful voice. Elodie then tells her that not only does he have a great mind, but he can also help her solve her problems. All Nadine needs to do is look into his eyes. Nadine does so, becoming entranced. What follows is a dream sequence where it seems Nadine is back in her mansion, only to be taken to places all over the world and even beyond at the command of Elodie and her crystal ball.
By the end of it, Nadine is mesmerized enough by the crystal ball to ask him what life holds for her. He tells Nadine that better times are soon ahead. Jeanette finds her inside the stall, saying that they were looking for her. Nadine apologizes, explaining that she found this crystal ball. Chloe and Marie are amused, but ultimately, the four agree that it’s time to head home. Before Nadine does so, Elodie offers her crystal ball to her. Grateful, Nadine thanks Elodie and heads out.
As Nadine makes her way home, she accidentally bumps into a man, nearly dropping her crystal ball. She apologizes profusely, not intending to get in his way. He tells her that it’s no harm done and takes interest in her crystal ball, asking her where she got it from, Nadine explains that it came from the fortuneteller from downtown Paris. The crystal ball shines brightly in response. Seeing this, He claims that the ball shines as bright as her beauty. The man introduces himself as Edward (Luke Evans) and thanks Nadine for ‘granting him the honor’ of meeting such a beautiful ‘bird’ as herself., Nadine bids Edward a good night before heading home. Edward smiles, almost entranced by her presence.
The next day, Nadine introduces her new crystal ball to her pet cat Josee. Josee stares at the crystal ball, watching it flashing several bright colors. Curious, Josee lightly taps at the glass frame. The crystal ball then plays a light tune, one that causes Josee to dance about in excitement. Nadine giggles, watching the two have fun when she hears the doorbell. She rushes to the door and to her surprise, finds Edward.
Edward lets himself in and becomes astounded by Nadine’s mansion. Nadine follows Edward around, watching as he compliments everything there is to see, including her new crystal ball. Eventually, Nadine manages to ask Edward what he’s doing here. Edward proceeds to profess his love for her, asking for her hand in marriage. Flattered, Nadine gently tells Edward that she needs to spend more time with him. Edward compromises, asking for a date tomorrow evening. To his relief, Nadine accepts the proposal. As Edward heads out, Nadine is again surprised, this time by the sudden appearance of her crystal ball who asks her why he went through all this trouble to try and marry her when he’s only known her for one day. Nadine admits that she isn’t sure why, but she supposes she’ll find out tomorrow.
That evening, Nadine meets up with Jeanette and an overly excited Chloe and Marie who gush about Nadine’s date. They tell her that they’ve got a ‘wealth of experience’ when it comes to men, which boils down to being as dainty, and elegant as possible whilst also hiding the ‘real you’. Jeanette watches on, amused as Marie and Chloe waltz around. Chloe asks Jeanette to join them, but she politely declines. Once Chloe and Marie leave, Jeanette asks Nadine if she really believes hiding who she is will help her win Edward’s heart. Nadine doesn’t know, especially since she’s only known him for a day. Jeanette and Nadine then sit by the bed where Jeanette tells her the real secret. Be true to yourself. Nadine smiles, thanking Jeanette for the advice. All the while, the crystal ball and Josee peak through the bedroom door.
Meanwhile, in another part of Paris, France, inside a local bar, a group of ruffians (Adam Pascal, Ramin Karimloo, Jeremy Jordan and Colm Wilkinson) leads several patrons in a rousing song. The only one not singing is Edward, who looks outside longingly. The youngest of the ruffians (Jeremy Jordan) comes up to him, asking why he isn’t joining them. Edward explains that he’s stuck in thought. Two more ruffians question him on why that is. After a few seconds, Edward confesses that he’s in love. The three ruffians laugh over this revelation, but the oldest (Colm Wilkinson) stops them, asking Edward to go on. Edward then tells them about the most beautiful girl he’s ever met. The other ruffians proceed to ridicule this only for Edward to sing a heartfelt song about his love.
Teary-eyed and remorseful, the ruffians all apologize to Edward and wish him well on his date tomorrow. Edward thanks them and makes it clear. Not only will he win Nadine’s heart, but he’ll also do it with ease. He picks up a drink, declaring a toast before accidentally spilling his drink onto someone. Realizing what he’s done, Edward tries to apologize only to eat a punch, thus starting a full-fledged brawl.
The night after, Nadine stands by the door wearing her finest dress when the crystal ball asks her if she’s sure about this. Nadine promises that it’ll be fine when she hears the doorbell. She opens the door, shocked to find that Edward has obtained a black eye. In an attempt to save face, Edward brags about fending off a four-on-one mugging. Nadine chuckles and the two head off. In the distance, Josee glances at the crystal ball who flashes a green light, causing Josee to scatter and rush out the door.
For their date, Edward and Nadine enjoy a wonderful dinner at Pas D'escargot. Nadine, remembering what Jeanette does her best to maintain who she is as Edward tries to entertain her. He asks Nadine how life has been with the new crystal ball. Nadine says that it’s been good, though he does often ask about him. All good, she claims.
It’s here the two get to know one another on a personal level. Edward came from Britain and graduated from college with high honors despite nearly falling in with the wrong crowd. Nadine commends him on his resilience and then tells him of her story, going from a girl with the most wonderful parents to watching them pass away and inheriting their fortune. Edward expresses sympathy and asks what she’s planned to do with the money. Nadine hasn’t decided. If anything, she’ll likely use it for maintenance, maybe spend some for charity. No matter what she does, however, Edward knows her parents will be proud of her.
As the two have their conversation, Josee manages to find her way inside the restaurant, keeping quiet as possible. Disaster strikes when Josee triggers a patron’s allergies, causing them to sneeze fervently. Josee begins to run for her life as multiple waiters chase after her. Eventually, she finds herself inside the kitchen where she tries to hide in a kitchen cupboard, only to fall off and land on top of the head chef.
As Edward and Nadine finish their meal, Edward confesses to Nadine that he always knew she was something special. Tonight showed that she was that she’s a true gem. Nadine also now realizes how charming and kind Edward is. Edward takes her by the hands, preparing to kiss her when the maitre’d comes up to them, angrily handing Nadine her cat.
Because of Josee’s antics, Nadine and Edward are forced to leave the restaurant. Nadine keeps hold of Josee, apologizing profusely to the maitre’d and later Edward for her cat’s actions. Edward doesn’t mind, betting that it was a fun occasion. The two have a good laugh over it being like dinner theatre before parting ways.
Back home, Nadine heads into her bedroom, surprised to find her crystal ball on the bed. He asks her how her night was, causing Nadine to gush on about how wonderful an evening it was and how charming and funny Edward is. She lies on her bed, smiling happily before asking her crystal ball if he thinks there’s a future for her and Edward. He thinks long and hard before bluntly telling her that something horrible is going to happen should she continue this romance.
Confused, Nadine asks him what he means. The crystal ball explains that throughout the time he’s come to know Edward, he’s found him to be egocentric, overconfident, and determined to push himself into the picture. Especially since he fell in love with her so soon after meeting her. The crystal ball believes Edward only cares about her fortune. He also reveals that some of what Edward said about his black eye isn’t true, playing a clip of what really happened.
Suddenly, Nadine begins to talk back to her crystal ball, saying that she knew it was a tall tale to begin with and that one accidental instance isn’t enough to determine anything. The crystal ball maintains his composure as he addresses Nadine, suggesting that she needs a deeper look, speaking in a Latin tongue that puts Nadine into a deep sleep.
When Nadine wakes up, it’s in a dark, desolate place. Her crystal ball welcomes her to the land of sand, a mysterious place where nothing is as seems. Nadine explores the area, taken aback by the winds and shifting landscape. There, she spots Edward standing alone. Relieved, Nadine comes up to her, asking if he’s alright. To her surprise, Edward reacts coldly, telling her that she’s no longer needed. Stunned, Nadine reaches out to Edward, only to be pushed back. Edward declares that he only wanted to be with her for her money. Now that he’s gotten close to her, there’s only one thing left to do, picking up a briefcase of her fortune and a can of gas.
The scene shifts to her home where Edward stands by the living room, pouring gasoline all over it. He picks up a match and lighter and watches a desperate Nadine begging him to stop. Edward stares at her, emotionless as he tells her that money talks. With that, he sets the living room on fire. Nadine watches on in sheer horror as no matter where she goes, the flames find her.
Trapped in an endless circle of fire, all Nadine can do is scream. This is enough to take her back into the real world and a haunted Nadine looks at her crystal ball, asking if this is what will happen. The crystal ball however is silent. She puts it down, crying herself to sleep.
The next morning, Edward stops by Nadine’s mansion once again, this time with a bouquet of flowers. However, when he goes to ring the doorbell, he receives no response. He tries again with still no luck. Edward goes to walk away when he hears a meow. He turns around to find the door nudged open and Josee motioning for him. Edward thanks Josee and begins to look around the mansion for Nadine, finding her inside her bedroom in a miserable state.
When Edward sits down to try and talk to Nadine, she is unresponsive. Edward decides to come back later when she’s feeling better. Nadine stops him just as he reaches the door and after a few seconds asks him if he loves her for herself or her fortune.
Realizing the problem, Edward helps Nadine out of her bed and to the living room. Along the way, Edward makes it clear that fortune never meant anything to him. Every day he’s spent with Nadine is fortune enough. He asks her where she heard it from. Nadine shifts her eyes around uncomfortably, causing Edward to think it’s a touchy subject. He then changes topics, asking Nadine if she would like to hear a song. Nadine nods, motioning to the phonograph.
Edward comes up to the phonograph, finding a disk of his choosing. Edward tells Nadine that this is his favorite song and asks Nadine to join her. The two proceed to waltz across the living room floor, singing to the music. The crystal ball, curious of what is happening teleports downstairs, finding Nadine and Edward dancing together. As they are about to kiss, the crystal ball unleashes a thunderbolt that causes Edward to disappear.
In a panic, Nadine finds her crystal ball. Inside him is Edward, banging into the glass. Before Nadine can see him, the crystal ball makes him disappear. Disturbed, Nadine asks him what he’s doing. The crystal ball explains that he’s doing what he should’ve done all along. Petrified, Nadine runs off to the fortune-teller stall where she finds Elodie organizing her tarot cards. In hysterics, Nadine tells her that the crystal ball she gave her has gone crazy and kidnapped Edward.
Nadine and Elodie rush back to the mansion, finding that the crystal ball has grown considerably in size, destroying all it sees. Elodie scolds the crystal ball for his actions and demands he brings Edward back. The crystal ball refuses, claiming that it is all part of the plan. The times he questioned Nadine? Josee going to the restaurant? Nadine’s vision of Edward? It was all a ploy to keep Nadine as his loyal companion. For years he has served his masters well, and he refuses to be swept aside for a common man. But now he sees that if he cannot have a master, Nadine doesn’t deserve her true love. With that, Nadine is zapped back into the land of sand.
Inside the crystal ball, Edward and Nadine bump into one another. The crystal ball’s voice echoes throughout the land of sand, warning them that judgment day has arrived. The winds begin to blow rapidly as the area around them begins to shrink. In a moment, Edward and Nadine will fade to nothing. The two huddle close to each other, realizing that death is imminent only to hear Elodie’s voice.
Back at the living room, Elodie has returned with a manual. She tells Nadine and Edward that there is only one way to stop this rampaging crystal ball. True love’s kiss. As sappy as it sounds, she fears it to be the only way to work. Edward and Nadine glance at each other, seeing the land of sand begin to collapse around them. With little time remaining, Nadine makes the first move, kissing Edward on the lips.
The entire room starts to shake and the crystal ball begins to crack open. Elodie runs out of the mansion as the crystal ball explodes. Once the coast is clear, Elodie tentatively walks inside, relieved to find that Nadine and Edward have survived only for Nadine to notice that her entire mansion is destroyed.
Nadine glances at the others, then at the destroyed crystal ball, and sits down on what’s left of the stairs. Elodie apologizes for what the crystal ball has done and asks if she would be able to help rebuild the mansion somehow. It’s there Nadine finally realizes what she wants to do with the money.
A rebuilding montage occurs with everyone pitching in (as well as Jeanette, Chloe, and Marie becoming smitten with the three younger ruffians). A few months later, the mansion is completely rebuilt with some major upgrades, including a new ballroom. Inside, Nadine and Edward dance to a reprise of Edward’s favorite song, this time joined by everyone else. Edward and Nadine smile at each other, realizing that everything turned out okay and the two exchange one more kiss at the center of the ballroom.
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