In this adaptation of the Oscar Wilde play, two men bend the truth to put excitement into their lives. Worthing (Colin Firth) invents a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to visit Gwendolyn (Frances O’Connor). Montcrief (Rupert Everett) uses the same name when visiting Worthing’s young ward, Cecily (Reese Witherspoon). Mayhem and hilarity result.