Although strangers Sara and Jonathan are both already in relationships, they realize they have genuine chemistry after a chance encounter – but part company soon after. Years later, they each yearn to reunite, despite being destined for the altar. But to give true love a chance, they have to find one another again.
Acting
Cusack's neurotic charm vs. Beckinsale's maddening magical thinking.
Writing
The dollar bill, the book, the glove — exhausting but effective devices.
Cinematography
Bloomingdale's glow and Wollman Rink romance porn.
Director
Peter Chelsom
John Cusack
Jonathan Trager
Kate Beckinsale
Sara Thomas
Jeremy Piven
Dean Kansky
Bridget Moynahan
Halley Buchanan
John Corbett
Lars Hammond
Molly Shannon
Eve
Eugene Levy
Bloomingdale's Salesman
Lilli Lavine
Bloomingdale's Stock Girl
Abdul Alshawish
Customer at Bloomingdale's
Stephen Bruce
Host at Serendipity
David Sparrow
Josh's Dad
Gary Gerbrandt
Josh
Ann Talman
Bloomingdale's Saleswoman #1
Crystal Bock
Bloomingdale's Saleswoman #2
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Bloomingdale's scene was filmed during actual store hours with real shoppers gawking at Cusack and Beckinsale.
This film single-handedly convinced a generation that leaving relationships to 'signs' was romantic rather than emotionally avoidant. The term 'serendipity' spiked in baby names post-2001.
US
