Dan Burns (played by Steve Carell) is an advice columnist who has written a bestselling book on relationships. Despite his success, he struggles to apply his own wisdom to his personal life. He is a widower, and a single parent to his three daughters, Jane (Alison Pill), Cara (Brittany Robertson) and Lilly (Marlene Lawston).
Dan's struggles with parenting are compounded when his daughters bring their boyfriends to visit during a family vacation in Rhode Island. Dan's attempts to control the situation backfire, causing tension between him and his daughters. Meanwhile, Dan's extended family, including his parents and siblings, arrive for a reunion.
During a chance encounter at a local bookstore, Dan meets Marie (Juliette Binoche), who he is immediately drawn to. They have a deep and meaningful conversation, but Dan is disappointed when he later discovers that Marie is dating his brother, Mitch (Dane Cook).
As the family vacation unfolds, Dan and Marie continue to strike up meaningful conversations, and Dan finds himself increasingly drawn to her. Mitch, who is aware of Dan's feelings for Marie, encourages Dan to pursue her. However, Dan feels conflicted about their budding relationship, as he fears it will damage his relationship with his brother and strain his family dynamic.
As the vacation draws to a close, Dan must confront his feelings for Marie and decide whether to pursue a relationship with her, despite the potential consequences. The film ends with a heartwarming scene that suggests that Dan has found a way to resolve his inner conflicts and find happiness in his personal life.
Overall, Dan in Real Life is a poignant romantic comedy that explores the challenges of family, love, and relationships. The film boasts a talented cast and a well-written script that blends humor with emotional depth to create an engaging and memorable viewing experience.
