Nick Marshall (played by Mel Gibson) is a charismatic and successful advertising executive in Chicago who is known for his womanizing ways and his disregard for women’s feelings. He is confident in his ability to charm and manipulate women but is clueless when it comes to understanding their thoughts and emotions.
When Nick is passed over for a promotion in favor of Darcy Maguire (played by Helen Hunt), a talented and ambitious woman, he is determined to prove himself by winning a major advertising campaign for a women’s product line. However, his efforts are hindered by his lack of insight into what women want.
After a freak accident involving a hairdryer and a bathtub, Nick gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts. At first, he sees this newfound power as a curse, but he soon realizes that it could be the key to understanding women and gaining an advantage in his professional and personal life.
As Nick listens in on the thoughts of the women around him, including his assistant, Erin (played by Marisa Tomei), and his teenage daughter, Alex (played by Ashley Johnson), he begins to see the world from their perspective and gains a newfound appreciation for their struggles and desires.
Armed with this insight, Nick sets out to win the advertising campaign and prove himself to Darcy. Along the way, he forms a genuine connection with her and begins to fall in love, realizing that she is the one woman who truly understands him.
In a climactic scene, Nick publicly confesses his newfound ability to hear women’s thoughts and apologizes for his past behavior. He admits his love for Darcy and asks for her forgiveness, promising to be a better man and to treat women with the respect they deserve.
As the film concludes, Nick and Darcy reconcile and begin a romantic relationship based on mutual understanding and respect. Nick embraces his newfound sensitivity and uses his ability to connect with women in a more meaningful way, both personally and professionally.
“What Women Want” is a heartwarming and entertaining comedy that explores themes of gender dynamics, communication, and the importance of empathy in relationships. Through its witty humor, charming performances, and insightful storytelling, the film offers a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of male-female relationships.