Tragic and comic, an exploration of the complexities of love in both its brightest and darkest corners. Adapted from John Irving's best-selling novel A Widow For One Year, the film is situated in the privileged beach community of East Hampton, New York and chronicles one pivotal summer in the lives of most famous children's book author Ted Cole (Jeff Bridges) and his beautiful wife Marion (Kim Basinger). Their once-great union was strained by tragedy. Her despondency and his infidelities have prevented the couple by confronting a much-needed change within their relationship. Eddie O'Hare is the couple's unwitting yet willing pawn - and, ultimately, the catalyst in the transformation in their lifestyles.