Book Club

Book Club is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by Bill Holderman (in his directorial debut), who co-wrote the screenplay with Erin Simms. The film stars Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen as four friends who read Fifty Shades of Grey as part of their monthly book club, and subsequently begin to change how they view their personal relationships. The film was released on May 18, 2018, by Paramount Pictures. It received mixed reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing over $104 million worldwide against its $14 million budget. A sequel, Book Club: The Next Chapter, was released in May 2023. Plot Four women have participated in their monthly book club for 40 years, bonding over the suggested literature, and have become very good friends. One day, as they read Fifty Shades of Grey, they are intrigued by its content. Considering this a wake-up call, they decide to expand their lives and pursue pleasures that have eluded them. While flying to visit her daughters in Arizona, Diane meets Mitchell and they strike up a relationship – although she is hesitant because her husband died only a year ago and she has not dated in decades. Vivian spends more time with Arthur, but her fear of commitment makes her keep him at a distance. Carol is frustrated with her husband's refusal to have sex with her, and reading the book makes her realize they are missing something. Sharon starts an online dating account to start dating again.