THE NEXT BEST THING

Year: 2000
USA: Warner Bros
UK: Buena Vista International UK
Cast: Rupert Everett, Madonna, Benjamin Bratt, Michael Vartan, Josef Sommer, Lynn Redgrave, Malcolm Stumpf, Neil Patrick Harris, Illeana Douglas, Mark Valley, Suzanne Krull, Stacy Edwards, Kimberley Davies, Linda Larkin, Jessica Sara
Director: John Schlesinger
Country: USA
UK: 107 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexual content, partial nudity and language
UK Certificate: 12 for infrequent strong language and moderate sex references
USA Release Date: 3 March 2000
UK Release Date: 23 June 2000

Synopsis

Abbie (Madonna) and Robert (Rupert Everett) are best friends with so much in common - a joyful, unconventional approach to life; quick wit and intelligence; an endearing impulsiveness...and miserable luck in love. They would make the perfect couple, but one thing prevents them from looking to each other for romance - Robert is gay.

A day comes, however, when too many cocktails and a twist of fate takes them to a new level of intimacy... and turns them into parents. A whole new world has opened up for them, and for the sake of Sam, their child (played by newcomer Malcolm Stumpf), Abbie and Robert decide to live together as a family. Theirs may not be the perfect family - but it is the next best thing.