The film centers on Abbie Reynolds (played by Madonna), a yoga instructor living in Los Angeles, and her best friend, Robert Whittaker (played by Rupert Everett), a gay landscape architect. Despite their close friendship, Abbie longs to have a child and start a family of her own.
One night, after a few too many drinks, Abbie and Robert sleep together, resulting in Abbie becoming pregnant. Although they initially panic about the situation, they eventually decide to raise the child together as platonic co-parents.
As Abbie’s pregnancy progresses, she begins dating Ben Cooper (played by Benjamin Bratt), a successful investment banker. Despite her growing feelings for Ben, Abbie remains committed to her arrangement with Robert and decides not to tell Ben about the true paternity of the baby.
After Abbie gives birth to a son named Sam, she and Robert settle into their roles as co-parents, navigating the challenges of raising a child together while maintaining their friendship. However, tensions arise when Ben proposes to Abbie, forcing her to confront her true feelings for him and the implications for their unconventional family.
As Abbie struggles to reconcile her conflicting emotions, Robert becomes increasingly jealous and resentful of Ben’s presence in their lives. Their friendship is put to the test as they grapple with their changing dynamics and the realization that their arrangement may not be sustainable in the long run.
In a dramatic climax, Abbie decides to leave Los Angeles and move to New York City with Ben and Sam, choosing to pursue a conventional family life with her new partner. Robert is left heartbroken and alone, realizing that he has lost both his best friend and the opportunity to be a father to Sam.
The film ends with Abbie and Ben starting a new life together in New York, while Robert comes to terms with the loss of his friendship and the prospect of building a new future for himself.
“The Next Best Thing” explores themes of friendship, love, and family, challenging traditional notions of parenthood and relationships. With its heartfelt performances and emotional storyline, the film offers a poignant exploration of the complexities of modern family dynamics.