The movie opens with Evelyn waking up in a glitzy Vegas hotel, nursing a brutal hangover and a shock: she’s married to David Ferris, the enigmatic guitarist of the world-famous rock band Stage Dive. Evelyn has no recollection of the previous night, which included getting married and receiving an extravagant ring from a man she doesn’t even know. Overwhelmed, she vomits before David, whose cold and aloof demeanor signals that he’s just as ready to end the impromptu marriage as she is. He arranges for lawyers to draft the divorce papers immediately, and Evelyn, still reeling, refuses to keep the ring.

The chaos escalates when the news of their Vegas wedding spreads, throwing Evelyn’s life in Portland into turmoil. The media frenzy disrupts her internship and brings an onslaught of paparazzi and fan harassment. With nowhere to turn, David invites her to stay at his Los Angeles home until the divorce can be finalized. Though initially reluctant, Evelyn accepts, unknowingly stepping into the whirlwind world of rock stardom.

In LA, Evelyn meets the other members of Stage Dive. Mal, the band’s cheeky and playful drummer, quickly befriends her, adding some much-needed levity to her situation. On the other hand, David’s older brother Jimmy, a troubled figure with a history of addiction, makes inappropriate advances toward her, highlighting the band’s complicated dynamics. Amidst the chaos, Evelyn starts to see a softer side of David.

As they spend more time together, David begins to share pieces of himself, revealing how they met. He recounts how she defended a waitress from a rude customer in Vegas, instantly capturing his admiration with her boldness and genuine spirit. Their connection that night was unlike anything he’d experienced, free from the superficiality he often encounters as a rock star. Inspired by their meeting, David writes his first songs in two years, a clear sign that Evelyn is reigniting a creative spark in him.

Their relationship deepens further when they escape to David’s secluded house in Monterey. In the serene setting, they grow closer, sharing intimate conversations and playful moments. David lays down his quirky “relationship rules,” such as being shirtless during serious conversations, a rule that adds humor and vulnerability to their blossoming romance. However, jealousy and trust issues emerge when Evelyn spends time with Mal, leading to tensions between her and David.

The drama intensifies when they return to LA for a record company event. Evelyn discovers that David’s ex-girlfriend, Martha, still plays a significant role in his life as his personal assistant. To make matters worse, Martha flaunts a pair of earrings that match David’s, stirring feelings of insecurity and betrayal in Evelyn. She learns that Martha once cheated on David with his brother Jimmy but has remained in his life to keep the peace within the band. Devastated by this revelation and feeling sidelined, Evelyn leaves David, returning to Portland to rebuild her life.

For 28 days, David doesn’t contact her, deepening her heartbreak. Unbeknownst to her, he’s been in therapy with Jimmy, who has entered rehab, working on repairing their fractured relationship. Eventually, David shows up in Portland, desperate to win Evelyn back. He tells her he’s made significant changes to prove his commitment, including selling his house in Monterey, a place laden with memories of his past with Martha. He’s also moved the band to Portland and purchased a new home there to start fresh, drawing inspiration from Evelyn for his music.

Martha unexpectedly supports David’s efforts, admitting that he’s truly changed and encouraging Evelyn to give him another chance. Touched by his vulnerability and the lengths he’s gone to for their relationship, Evelyn agrees to reconcile. David presents her with a new ring, symbolizing a fresh start untainted by his past mistakes. Together, they work through their issues, with Evelyn helping David confront his deep-seated trust problems stemming from his mother’s abandonment and Martha’s betrayal.

The film concludes on a hopeful note as David prepares to perform a song he wrote for Evelyn, calling her “a Portland girl” in a heartfelt tribute. The couple’s journey from an accidental marriage to a genuine, loving partnership underscores the themes of trust, growth, and resilience.

Themes and Analysis

At its core, Lick explores themes of personal growth, vulnerability, and the power of love to heal. David’s journey from a guarded, emotionally distant rock star to a man willing to confront his past and fight for his future with Evelyn highlights the transformative nature of trust and openness. Evelyn, in turn, learns to navigate the challenges of being with someone in the spotlight, finding her confidence and voice in the process.

The movie also delves into the complexities of forgiveness and redemption. David’s strained relationships with his brother and Martha demonstrate how betrayal and unresolved trauma can affect trust, while his efforts to make amends show the importance of accountability and change.

Evelyn and David’s story resonates as a modern romance grounded in emotional authenticity. Despite the glitz and chaos of David’s rock star lifestyle, their love story thrives on small, meaningful moments, such as David’s songwriting and their playful yet heartfelt interactions.

Ultimately, Lick leaves viewers with the message that love requires effort, honesty, and the willingness to confront both personal and shared struggles. Evelyn and David’s journey from a drunken Vegas mishap to a committed partnership proves that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to something real and enduring.

Video Recap: