Built around a brilliant idea, Derrick Borte’s debut plays like The Truman Show in reverse. Whereas Jim Carrey’s Truman had no idea his life provided fodder for a TV show, the upper-crust enclave that welcomes the Joneses has no idea they’re a marketing unit in disguise. One day, Steve and Kate arrive with teenagers Jenn nd Mick and a moving van full of luxury goods. Attractive and charismatic, they inspire everyone they meet to purchase the same sportswear, golf clubs, and gourmet foods. They make the biggest impression on Larry and Summer, whose marriage has hit a rough patch. Steve advises his new golf partner to buy his wife expensive presents. Larry takes his advice–and then some–in an attempt to keep up with the Joneses, who find it difficult to maintain the Stepford-like facade when Jenn gets involved with a married man and Steve falls for his make-believe wife.
