Year: 1978
Runtime: 124 min
Language: English
Director: Paul Mazursky
A sophisticated New Yorker, Erica Benton, experiences a painful upheaval when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Forced to confront the collapse of her seemingly perfect life, she begins a journey of self-discovery and seeks independence. During this challenging time, she finds comfort in a developing romance with a charismatic English artist. Erica must then decide if she’s ready to risk another relationship and embrace a new chapter.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen An Unmarried Woman yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Get a spoiler-free look at An Unmarried Woman (1978) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the polished corridors of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Erica Benton carries the poise of a woman whose life has long followed a carefully scripted rhythm. As a sophisticated New Yorker accustomed to cultural soirées and the comforts of an elegant home, she suddenly finds herself confronting an unsettling shift that calls into question the very foundation of her seemingly perfect existence. The city’s glittering backdrop amplifies both the loneliness and the possibility that lie hidden beneath its surface, setting a tone that balances introspection with the quiet hum of urban life.
Surrounded by a close‑knit circle of friends and the ever‑present curiosity of her teenage daughter, Patti, Erica begins to trace the contours of a new identity. Her relationships, once anchored by the expectations of marriage, now become a delicate web of support, encouragement, and subtle challenges. Conversations with a perceptive therapist and evenings spent confiding with long‑standing companions allow her to glimpse the contours of self‑esteem that have long lain dormant, hinting at a journey that is as much about personal reckoning as it is about redefining what it means to be independent.
Amid this period of self‑examination, Erica encounters Saul, a charismatic English artist whose unconventional outlook offers both intrigue and a fresh perspective on creativity and freedom. Their connection hints at the possibility of romance, yet it is tempered by the careful balance Erica seeks between embracing new affection and preserving the autonomy she is only beginning to claim. The interplay between their worlds—her structured urban life and his itinerant, artistic sensibility—creates a compelling tension that fuels her evolving sense of possibility.
Together, these elements weave a portrait of a woman poised at the crossroads of past expectations and future aspirations. The film’s tone is warm yet unflinching, inviting viewers to share in the delicate dance of loss, renewal, and the quiet courage required to step into a chapter that is, for the first time, entirely her own.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:14
Don't stop at just watching — explore An Unmarried Woman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what An Unmarried Woman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of An Unmarried Woman, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of An Unmarried Woman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like An Unmarried Woman that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
An Unmarried Woman (1978) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
An Unmarried Woman (1978) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
An Unmarried Woman (1978) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like An Unmarried Woman – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Married Life (2008) Full Movie Breakdown
The Woman in Red (1984) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Unforgettable (2017) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Unfaithful (2002) Movie Recap & Themes
Hello I Must Be Going (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Seeing Other People (2004) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Newly Single (2018) Detailed Story Recap
Madame (2018) Detailed Story Recap
A Woman, a Part (2017) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Flannel Pajamas (2006) Full Summary & Key Details
Suddenly Naked (2003) Detailed Story Recap
L'ennui (1999) Movie Recap & Themes
Unlovable (2018) Full Movie Breakdown
Husbands and Wives (1992) Complete Plot Breakdown
Unfaithfully Yours (1984) Complete Plot Breakdown