Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) is a successful advertising executive and professional bachelor. Just when he thought he knew everything about the opposite sex, he accidentally stumbles upon the power to hear what women are thinking. When he decides to use this newfound power to sabotage his boss Darcy (Helen Hunt) to further his own career, things don't go exactly as planned. His new-found skill creates a conflict between his desire to get ahead, and an inner voice telling him to follow his heart.