The film was shot in Toronto and New York City. The majority of filming took place in Toronto, which is often used as a stand-in for New York due to its similar architecture and building appearance. Moreover, production costs in Canada are significantly lower, making Toronto a popular choice for Hollywood films, especially those with smaller budgets. Filming also took place in New York City itself, as the story is set there. Among the identified locations are the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower East Side of Manhattan, as well as Pineapple Street and Columbia Heights in Brooklyn. Some scenes were filmed at the Fulton Ferry Pier, which offers stunning views of the city.

Filming Locations:

Bridge

In the Movie

The scene where Jean and Holly move to New York. The film tells the story of Jean Hamilton, a single mother raising two daughters who dreams of finding the perfect man. After each failed romance, Jean packs up and moves with her girls to a new city, hoping to start fresh. However, these changes are hard on her eldest daughter Holly, who is tired of constant moves and being unable to make friends. After another breakup, they move to New York. Holly, who likes the city, decides to put an end to their nomadic life. She devises a plan: to create an image of a "perfect man" for her mother to keep her from moving again.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York's most famous landmarks, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. Completed in 1883, it is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and was the longest in the world for a long time. The bridge is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and consists of two large towers that rise above the water, creating an impressive silhouette. The choice of the Brooklyn Bridge for the opening of the New York chapter in the heroines' lives is no coincidence. The bridge, as a crossing, symbolizes new beginnings, which fits the film's plot perfectly. The striking shots of the heroines driving across the bridge create a vivid first impression of New York and emphasize the city's scale.

Street

In the Movie

The scene where Holly and Amy walk home from school and discuss Holly's constant moves due to her mother's failed relationships. After the walk, they go to the café of Ben, Amy's uncle, where Holly comes up with a plan: to create an image of a "perfect man" for her mother to keep her from moving again. She asks Ben for advice on what this "perfect man" should be like, pretending it's for a school project. Ben willingly shares his thoughts and recommendations, and Holly starts using them: sending her mother flowers and love letters from a fictional admirer, using Ben's name. But as she grows closer to Ben, she becomes convinced of his qualities and begins to see him as the ideal stepfather and partner for her mom.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the intersection of Pineapple Street and Columbia Heights in Brooklyn. The picturesque neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, known for its historic architecture and beautiful views of Manhattan, is famous for its neoclassical-style houses built in the late 19th century. The streets here are paved with cobblestones and named after fruits, and the trees create a pleasant, quiet atmosphere. The beautiful streets of Brooklyn Heights served as an excellent backdrop for conversations about family struggles and hopes for the future.

Pier where Jean came for a date

In the Movie

The scene where Jean comes for a date with her secret admirer. Holly arranges a meeting between her mother Jean and the fictional admirer, Ben. However, on the day of the date, Ben doesn't show up (because he's fictional) and instead, Holly herself comes to the meeting. She decides to tell her mother the truth about her plan, explaining that she invented this romance to help her find happiness and stop the constant moves. This scene becomes key to the plot development as it reveals the complexity of the relationship between the heroines. Holly realizes that her intentions were good, but the deception led to conflict. Jean, upon learning the truth, experiences mixed feelings—from disappointment to understanding her daughter's motives.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Fulton Ferry Pier, located near the Brooklyn Bridge. This pier is one of the city's most famous locations and offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. In addition to the panoramic viewing area, it features cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as walking paths. The pier has bronze reliefs that tell the local history, including Walt Whitman's famous poem "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry." A logical place for Holly's mother to be invited on a date by her fictional admirer.