Lilah Krytsick, played by Sally Field, is a passionate mother and housewife who has a secret dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. She watches comedy shows on TV and starts practicing her own jokes in front of the mirror. One night, she sneaks out to a local comedy club and performs a few jokes in front of an audience. Although she bombs on stage, she realizes that she loves the feeling of being on stage and wants to improve her skills.
Steven Gold, played by Tom Hanks, is an experienced stand-up who has been performing for years but has not yet achieved his big break. Steven is impressed by Lilah's determination and raw talent, and he becomes her mentor. Steven gives Lilah valuable tips on how to improve her stage presence, timing, and delivery. He also encourages her to develop her own unique voice and style of comedy.
Despite the objections of her family and the challenges of being a housewife and mother, Lilah continues to pursue her dream of stand-up comedy. She starts performing at more open mic nights and develops a routine that becomes increasingly successful. Her hard work pays off when she gets a chance to audition for a prestigious comedy showcase on TV.
As Lilah becomes more successful, she starts to rival Steven's career and ambitions. Steven also auditions for the same TV showcase, and the two become rivals. The tension between them heightens as they compete for the coveted spot. However, their friendship remains strong, and they support each other despite their differences.
In the end, both Lilah and Steven get their chance to perform on the TV showcase. Lilah's performance is a huge success, and she becomes a nationally recognized comedian. As Lilah celebrates her success, she realizes that she would not have achieved it without the help and support of Steven.
Punchline is a heartwarming story about following your dreams and the power of mentors and friendship. The movie features exceptional performances by Sally Field and Tom Hanks and showcases the highs and lows of the stand-up comedy industry.